Southern Jaguars Claim Victory in Thrilling Bayou Classic Showdown Against Grambling Tigers
Southern University defeated Grambling State 24-14 in the 51st Bayou Classic. CJ Russell's early touchdown and a 45-yard run by Kendric Rhymes sealed the win, sending the Jaguars to the SWAC Championship after a thrilling contest in the Caesars Superdome.
NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Southern University Jaguars triumphed over the Grambling State University Tigers, securing a 24-14 victory in the highly anticipated 51st annual Bayou Classic at the Caesars Superdome on Saturday, Nov. 30. This iconic matchup, long celebrated as one of the premier rivalries in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football, once again lived up to its reputation for excitement and fierce competition.
Grambling kicked off the game, setting the stage for a hard-fought battle. Southern struck first with a one-yard touchdown run by running back CJ Russell, capping off a strong drive with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Kicker Joshua Griffin’s successful extra point gave the Jaguars an early 7-0 lead, energizing their fans in the stands.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Jaguars extended their lead with a 26-yard field goal by Griffin, pushing the score to 10-0 with 9:39 remaining in the half. However, Grambling quickly responded with a spectacular 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by wide receiver Tylon Williams. The Tigers’ kicker Reed Harradine added the extra point, narrowing the gap to 10-7.
The game took a tense turn in the third quarter when Grambling’s wide receiver Julien Lewis was carted off the field following an injury. Despite this setback, Southern’s offense remained sharp. Quarterback Jalen Woods connected with wide receiver Chandler Whitfield for a stunning 41-yard touchdown pass with just 2:04 left in the third quarter. Griffin’s extra point extended the Jaguars’ lead to 17-7, putting them in control heading into the final quarter.
Grambling mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. Running back Keilon Elder’s touchdown, coupled with another successful extra point by Harradine, made it a 17-14 game with 13:19 left. The Tigers were closing in, but Southern’s offense would prove too powerful to stop.
With just 3:31 remaining in the game, Jaguars running back Kendric Rhymes sealed the victory with a 45-yard touchdown run, and Griffin’s extra point gave Southern a 24-14 lead. Despite a final push from Grambling, Southern’s defense held firm, and the Jaguars walked away with the win.
With the victory, Southern University advances to the SWAC Championship, where they will face Jackson State on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. The Jaguars’ thrilling performance in the Bayou Classic not only earned them bragging rights over their rivals but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason showdown.
The Bayou Classic once again delivered an unforgettable chapter in HBCU football, showcasing the talent, resilience, and unyielding spirit of both teams. The Jaguars will now turn their sights on the next challenge, eager to continue their championship pursuit.
