Southern Wins 49th Bayou Classic, Punches Ticket to SWAC Championship Game

The Southern Jaguars exacted revenge and punched their ticket to the 2022 SWAC Championship game against Jackson State on Dec. 3.

Kyle T. Mosley | Nov 26, 2022

Southern Wins 49th Bayou Classic, Punches Ticket to SWAC Championship Game /

The 'Grand Daddy' of HBCU Classics was a classic between Grambling State and Southern University.

Eric Dooley leads Southern to the 49th Bayou Classic Win

Julian Calvez finished a 6-play, 60-yard drive with a nice back-shoulder touchdown pass to Lyndon Rash to take a 7-0 in the first quarter.

Southern scored 14 second-quarter points to take a 14-10 into halftime.

Hue Jackson had his team reclaim the lead, 17-14, with a 9-play, 94-yard drive.

However, Besean McCay burst through GSU defenders for a 22-yard touchdown scamper for a 24-17 lead, and the Jags kept rolling.

The Southern defense put the final nails into the Tigers' coffin, with their defensive backs sealing the deal.

Jordan Carter had a scoop-six of a Calvez fumble, and Giffin connected on the extra point.

Next, Kriston Davis added a pick-six for a final score of 34-14 after Griffin's extra point sailed wide left.

Southern (7-4, 5-3 SWAC) has the Bayou Classic edge of 25-24 over Grambling (3-8, 2-6 SWAC) and won the last 4 of 5 meetings in the legendary game.

Eric Dooley told NBC the SWAC West winners "will be prepared" for next week's "Boom Box" rematch against Jackson State (11-0, 8-0 SWAC) at the 2022 SWAC Championship game. The meeting will also be Dooley's second-consecutive trip versus Deion Sanders in the title game. Last season he took Prairie View to Jackson, MS, and was defeated 27-10.

Deion Sanders' team may see a massive change after the SWAC Championship. Reports state Sanders was offered the Colorado head coaching position, and he has "legit interest" in the role. How and if that would affect his team against Southern won't be used as an excuse.

Should the Jaguars upset Jackson State, Southern has a chance to make its first trip to the Celebration Bowl.

Next week will be a highly-competitive affair in Jackson. I'm glad I'll be there to watch.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES

Southern

McCray: 7/17 for 75 yards; 17 rushes for 100 rushing yards, 1 TD
Ligon: 12 rushes for 57 rushing yards, 1 TD

Grambling

Calvez : 13/27 for 152 yards; 20 rushes for 44 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
Chalk: 8 rushes for 121 rushing yards
Rash: 5 receptions for 57 receiving yards

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Published Nov 26, 2022

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: