Southern University wins Bayou Classic

By Dr. Anne T. Sulton, Esq.

JA Senior International Correspondent

New Orleans: In one of the world’s most inviting cities, Southern University’s football team and marching band defeated Grambling State University’s football team and marching band. 

In an exciting battle of the bands on Friday night, Southern’s “Human Jukebox” won the contest. 

On Saturday, in a thrilling football game, Southern (with a 1 and 10 win/loss record) stunned football experts and fans by scoring one point more than Grambling (with a 7 and 4 win/loss record) in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. The final score was Southern 28 and Grambling 27.

Certainly, Southern’s fans attending the Bayou Classic’s 52nd Thanksgiving weekend extravaganza were hopeful their football team would end its season with a second victory. However, few observers anticipated this amazing performance by Southern.

Both teams provided the 59,007 fans attending the game at Caesars Superdome with opportunities to enthusiastically cheer as touchdowns were scored. This nationally televised broadcast game by NBC also introduced many thousands more to the talented athletes, coaches, and marching bands competing in one of the USA’s premier football classics.

All team members contributed to the excitement. Among the most exciting moments was the game-winning touchdown pass from Cam’Ron McCoy to Khalil Harris in the fourth quarter.

Southern’s coaching staff includes: Head Coach Fred McNair and Defensive Coordinator Henry Miller. Grambling’s coaching staff includes: Head Coach Mickey Joseph and Defensive Coordinator Jason Rollins.

Because the halftime show was nationally televised, a national audience was able to enjoy the sounds and sights of two outstanding college marching bands. The Director of Bands for Southern is Dr. Kedric Taylor. The Director of Bands for Grambling is Dr. Nikole Roebuck.

Although Grambling fans were disappointed, it did not stop them from celebrating past midnight with Southern fans this successful first class family-oriented super fun event.