Southern started off slowly in the 49th Annual Bayou Classic on Saturday afternoon but managed to gain momentum and dominate Grambling with a final score of 34-17.

Besean McCray played a crucial role for Southern, leading the team with an impressive 93 rushing yards, setting the tone for their performance. The Southern team prioritized ball security and did not commit any turnovers throughout the game. Their defense also created havoc for the Grambling offense, forcing three fumbles. Although Grambling had a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, they struggled to maintain their performance for the full 60 minutes. Additionally, their offensive line faced synchronization issues, resulting in seven sacks. Floyd Chalk stood out for Grambling, achieving a season-high of 120 rushing yards.

With this victory, Southern improves their record to 7-4 and secures the top spot in the SWAC for the West division. After celebrating their accomplishment, they will redirect their focus towards preparing for next week's rematch against Jackson State in the SWAC Championship Game. On the other hand, Grambling's record drops to 4-8 following this loss, marking the end of their season. Hopefully, they will utilize this defeat as motivation for their offseason preparations.