Southern wins Bayou Classic as Terrence Graves makes history

In New Orleans, Louisiana, Southern University's football team claimed victory against Grambling State University with a score of 24-14 in the 51st Bayou Classic on Saturday. Kendric Rhymes shone for Southern, rushing for a total of 110 yards over 12 carries, with a pivotal 45-yard touchdown run that extended Southern's lead to two possessions late in the fourth quarter. This win marked Southern’s sixth victory in their last seven encounters with Grambling, reinforcing their dominance in this historic rivalry. Terrence Graves distinguished himself as the only coach to have won the Bayou Classic while leading both schools, a significant accomplishment that highlights his coaching prowess and connection to this celebrated matchup. Southern's overall record improved to 8-4, and they bolstered their standing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) after a successful season, finishing 7-1 in conference play. In the game, Jalen Woods, in his second career start, showcased his potential by completing 9 out of 17 pass attempts for 176 yards, including a touchdown connection for 41 yards with Chandler Whitfield in the third quarter. Despite Southern's strong performance, Grambling State also had their moments, including a touchdown from Keilon Elder and a spectacular 94-yard kickoff return by Tylon Williams in the second quarter that temporarily brought the score to a close 10-7. With this victory, Southern University is now preparing to compete for the SWAC title against Jackson State next week, seeking to avenge their earlier 33-15 loss to them earlier in the season. The atmosphere during the Bayou Classic was charged, with fans from both institutions celebrating their storied football heritage. This annual rivalry not only highlights the competitive spirit of the teams involved but also showcases the larger cultural importance of HBCU football in the region.