Southern defeats Grambling in 51st Bayou Classic, 24-14

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Southern University Jaguars faced the Grambling State University Tigers in the Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 30, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Grambling initiated the 51st Bayou Classic with a kickoff. With 5:20 left in the first quarter, Jaguars running back CJ Russell scored a one-yard touchdown run. Kicker Joshua Griffin added the extra point, giving the Jaguars an early 7-0 advantage.

With 9:39 left in the second quarter, Jaguars kicker Joshua Griffin successfully made a 26-yard field goal, increasing their lead. Grambling quickly countered with wide receiver Tylon Williams' 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, followed by kicker Reed Harradine's extra point. The Tigers closed the gap to 10-7 with 8:54 remaining in the second quarter.

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Grambling wide receiver Julien Lewis was injured in the third quarter and had to be taken off the field. Southern quarterback Jalen Woods connected with wide receiver Chandler Whitfield for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:04 remaining, and Griffin added the extra point, extending the lead to 17-7.

In the fourth quarter, Grambling running back Keilon Elder scored a touchdown and Harradine added the extra point, reducing the score to 17-14 with 13:19 remaining.

Jaguars running back Kendric Rhymes ran 45 yards for a touchdown, and Griffin made the field goal, extending the lead to 24-14 with 3:31 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Southern secured a 24-14 victory over Grambling. The Jaguars will return to action at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, as they face Jackson State in the SWAC Championship.