Rhymes Sparks Southern’s Offense
The turning point came just two plays into the second half, when Rhymes burst free for a 73-yard touchdown sprint, electrifying Jaguar Nation and giving Southern a 27-7 lead. It was the longest scoring play of the game and a defining moment for Rhymes, who finished with over 100 yards rushing.
The Jaguars’ first-half push was also fueled by a spectacular special teams play. With Grambling lining up for a field goal late in the second quarter, Joshua Griffin scooped up a blocked kick and raced it back for a touchdown, sending Southern into halftime with a surge of momentum.
Grambling Fights Back
Despite trailing by 20 points entering the third quarter, Grambling refused to go quietly. The Tigers’ defense led the charge, beginning with Andrew Jones’ pick-six, which cut into Southern’s lead. Moments later, a miscue on special teams handed Grambling a safety, making it 27-16 with under seven minutes left in the third. 
Running back Floyd Chalk IV kept the comeback alive, pounding the ball for 172 yards on 22 carries, including a bruising 3-yard touchdown run that narrowed the deficit to 27-22 with 7:02 remaining. Quarterback Myles Crawley contributed with steady play, completing 19 of 30 passes for 183 yards, though his interception in the red zone proved costly.
Southern’s Defense Delivers in the Clutch
When the game tightened, Southern’s defense stood tall. Jordan Carter came up with a crucial interception in the end zone, stopping a promising Grambling drive cold. Later, with the Tigers threatening again in the final minutes, Demetri Morsell broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone, preserving the Jaguars’ five-point victory.
On the day, Southern’s defense produced two goal-line stands that ultimately defined the contest and silenced Grambling’s late surge.
Historic Win for Interim Coach Terrence Graves
The victory was extra meaningful for Southern’s interim head coach, Terrence Graves. A former Grambling head coach himself, Graves became the first coach in Bayou Classic history to lead both schools to wins in the rivalry.
“This is one of those games you never forget,” Graves said postgame. “Our guys fought until the very end, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they responded when the pressure was on.”
By the Numbers
Southern (6-5, 5-3 SWAC):
QB Noah Bodden: 13 of 26, 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
WR August Pitre III: 4 receptions, 118 yards
RB Kendric Rhymes: 103 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Grambling (record):
QB Myles Crawley: 19 of 30, 183 yards, 1 INT
RB Floyd Chalk IV: 22 carries, 172 yards, 1 TD
RB Chance Williams: 19 carries, 87 yards
Legacy of the 50th Bayou Classic
The Jaguars’ win not only closed their regular season on a high note but also added another memorable chapter to one of the most storied rivalries in HBCU football. Southern showcased resilience, combining explosive offense and clutch defense to claim bragging rights in the rivalry’s milestone matchup.
For Grambling, the comeback effort fell just short, but their offensive firepower—especially Chalk’s breakout performance—showed promise for the future.
As the curtain falls on the 50th Bayou Classic, the rivalry continues to stand as a celebration of tradition, competition, and pride for both programs.
