The Bayou Classic is an annual college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Southern Jaguars. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year for fans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year’s game will take place on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Bayou Classic showcases two prominent HBCU football teams and highlights African American culture, heritage, and pride. Both Grambling State and Southern have rich histories and passionate fan bases who travel from near and far to experience the excitement surrounding the game. Beyond the action on the field, the Bayou Classic weekend features high-energy halftime performances from the Grambling State and Southern marching bands, reunions, career fairs, conferences, and more.
History of the Bayou Classic
The first Bayou Classic was played in 1974 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. It was organized as a way to settle a debate about which school had the better football team that year. Southern and Grambling State had not played each other since 1972. The inaugural game drew over 66,000 fans to witness Grambling defeat Southern by a score of 7-0.
Since that first contest, the Bayou Classic has grown into one of the most popular HBCU football classics in the country. The fierceness of the rivalry between Grambling State and Southern attracts huge crowds annually. It is considered one of the top HBCU classics along with the Magic City Classic (Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State) and the Florida Classic (Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M).
Notable Bayou Classic Games
Here are some of the most memorable Bayou Classic matchups over the years:
Year | Winner | Loser | Score |
---|---|---|---|
1992 | Southern | Grambling State | 45-39 |
1993 | Grambling State | Southern | 42-6 |
1994 | Grambling State | Southern | 30-27 |
1995 | Southern | Grambling State | 17-3 |
2004 | Grambling State | Southern | 43-40 (OT) |
The 1992 game was an exhilarating back-and-forth contest decided by a Southern touchdown in the final minute. The 1993 game stands out as the largest margin of victory in Bayou Classic history. And the 2004 overtime thriller is considered one of the most exciting installments of the rivalry.
Game Details for 2022
This year’s Bayou Classic will take place on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm Central Time, and the game will be televised nationally on NBC.
Here are some key details about the 2022 Bayou Classic:
- The home team this year will be the Southern Jaguars.
- This will be the 49th meeting between Grambling State and Southern in the Bayou Classic.
- Grambling State leads the overall series 23-25.
- The 2022 game will mark Southern’s 85th Bayou Classic appearance. Grambling State has appeared in 84 Bayou Classics.
- Southern holds a 3-game winning streak in the series after winning 45-31 in 2019, 34-28 in 2020, and 35-31 in 2021.
- Grambling State’s last Bayou Classic win came in 2018 when they defeated Southern 40-24.
Grambling State Tigers
The Grambling State Tigers come into the game with a record of 3-7 overall and 2-5 in SWAC play under first-year head coach Hue Jackson. After starting the season 2-2, the Tigers struggled through a five-game losing streak against conference opponents. They broke the skid with a 36-10 victory over Texas Southern on November 12.
Grambling State’s offense is led by junior quarterback Noah Bodden, who has passed for 1,674 yards with 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions this season. His top targets are wide receivers Dorothy Blue (487 rec yds, 2 TDs) and Lyndon Rash (371 rec yds, 3 TDs). Running back Maurice Washington leads the ground attack with 488 rushing yards and 3 scores.
Defensively, linebacker Jaylen Lewis headlines the unit with 64 total tackles (8.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Safety Corione Harris has added 3 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. As a team, the Tigers allow 32.2 points and 391.9 yards per game.
Southern Jaguars
The Southern Jaguars enter the Bayou Classic with a record of 7-3 overall and 5-2 in conference. They finished second in the SWAC West standings under head coach Eric Dooley. The Jaguars started hot winning their first five games, before losing three straight in October. They rebounded with critical wins over Alcorn State and Florida A&M.
Quarterback BeSean McCray powers the Southern offense, throwing for 2,068 yards, 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Top receivers O’Bryan Goodson (501 rec yds, 6 TDs) and August Pitre III (340 rec yds, 2 TDs) are McCray’s main targets. Running back Devon Benn has contributed 509 rushing yards and one score.
Linebacker Anthony Ruffin leads the Jaguar defense with 68 tackles (12 for loss), 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Safeties Kendrick Perry Jr. and Irshaad Davis anchor the secondary combining for 7 interceptions. Southern allows 25.6 points and 337.7 yards per contest.
Game Prediction
This year’s Bayou Classic shapes up to be a competitive and exciting matchup between two talented squads. Southern’s stout defense and efficient offense make them a slight favorite at home. However, Grambling State’s playmakers could certainly spark an upset if they put together one of their best performances.
Coach Eric Dooley has Southern trending upwards coming off three straight Bayou Classic wins. But never count out the Tigers in a rivalry showdown where emotions and effort are magnified. In the end, the Jaguars steady play should be enough to extend their win streak to four games.
Final Prediction: Southern 27, Grambling State 20
Bayou Classic Halftime Show
One of the most anticipated parts of every Bayou Classic is the renowned halftime show featuring the marching bands of Grambling State and Southern. Known as the “Battle of the Bands,” both bands showcase their incredible musical talents and high-energy, action-packed routines during an electrifying halftime performance.
The Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band, also known as the “World Famed Tiger Marching Band,” consistently delights fans with their funky, hip-hop infused sets. Their unique sound and choreography make them crowd favorites year after year.
Meanwhile, the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band entertains audiences with their soulful, powerful sound and detailed marching formations. Nicknamed the “Human Jukebox” for their ability to play any tune flawlessly, they always bring down the house.
Fans eagerly anticipate the halftime Battle of the Bands every year, as both bands pull out all the stops trying to outperform each other. The Caesars Superdome will be rocking when these two outstanding HBCU marching bands faceoff during halftime at the 2022 Bayou Classic.
Conclusion
The annual Bayou Classic game and surrounding festivities represent an important tradition celebrating HBCU excellence. On Saturday, November 26, 2022, the Southern Jaguars will host the Grambling State Tigers in the 49th edition of this storied rivalry. An energized capacity crowd at the Caesars Superdome will be treated to hard-hitting football action and electrifying musical performances. Based on their recent success and home field advantage, Southern appears poised to earn their fourth straight Bayou Classic victory against Grambling State. But the Tigers will look to write a new chapter in this back-and-forth series that always provides excitement. Regardless of the outcome, the 2022 Bayou Classic is sure to be a memorable event showcasing the talent, culture, and community of two outstanding HBCU institutions.