Southern Jaguars Outlast Grambling Tigers in Thrilling 51st Bayou Classic Victory
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. — In a showdown that epitomized the rich tradition and fiery competition of HBCU football, Southern University edged out Grambling State University 24-14 in the 51st annual Bayou Classic at Caesars Superdome on Saturday, Nov. 30. The win not only secured bragging rights for the Jaguars but also punched their ticket to the SWAC Championship.
The stage was set for a clash of titans, with both teams entering the game ready to leave everything on the field. Southern wasted no time asserting dominance, striking first with a one-yard touchdown run by CJ Russell late in the first quarter. Kicker Joshua Griffin's extra point gave the Jaguars an early 7-0 lead, igniting a sea of blue and gold in the stands.
Southern extended their lead in the second quarter, with Griffin drilling a 26-yard field goal to push the score to 10-0. But Grambling struck back immediately, electrifying the Superdome with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Tylon Williams. Reed Harradine’s extra point brought the Tigers within three, turning the contest into a back-and-forth battle.
Momentum shifted further in the third quarter when Southern quarterback Jalen Woods unleashed a 41-yard strike to wide receiver Chandler Whitfield, who put on a show with five catches for 146 yards. Whitfield’s play earned him MVP honors, and Griffin’s extra point extended the Jaguars’ lead to 17-7.
Grambling refused to fold, clawing back with a fourth-quarter touchdown from Keilon Elder, narrowing the gap to 17-14. But with the game on the line, Southern’s offense delivered the dagger. Senior running back Kendric Rhymes broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run with 3:31 left in regulation. Griffin’s extra point solidified the 24-14 victory.
The Jaguars’ defense, known as the "Dog Day D," was relentless, holding Grambling to just 148 total yards—49 on the ground and 99 through the air. Junior linebacker Vincent Paige Jr. spearheaded the effort with nine tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss, while defensive stalwarts Darrius Harry and Davin Cotton added critical stops.
Southern’s fourth consecutive victory propels them to the SWAC Championship against Jackson State on Dec. 7, a matchup steeped in anticipation.
As the Bayou Classic wrapped up another thrilling chapter, the game showcased the passion and excellence of HBCU football. For Southern, the win was more than a triumph; it was a statement of resilience, teamwork, and unshakable determination to continue their march toward a championship.
