The Southern Jaguars (2–10, 1–7 SWAC) entered Saturday’s Bayou Classic at Caesars Superdome as heavy underdogs. Grambling State (7–5, 4–4 SWAC) had enjoyed a strong season, while Southern had endured a nine-game losing streak. Yet, in front of more than 59,000 fans, the Jaguars delivered one of the most memorable wins in program history.
- Halftime deficit: Southern trailed 17–7 at the break.
- Second-half surge: The Jaguars outscored Grambling 21–10 in the final two quarters.
- Game-winning play: Quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy connected with Khalil Harris on a 34-yard touchdown pass with 7:16 left, giving Southern the lead.
- Defensive stand: Grambling had a chance to reclaim the lead, but kicker Josh McCormick missed a 43-yard field goal attempt with just over two minutes remaining.
Key Performances
- Barry Remo (RB): Named the game’s MVP, Remo broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run and finished with a strong rushing performance.
- Trey Holly (RB, Southern): Scored two rushing touchdowns, keeping the Jaguars within striking distance.
- Cam’Ron McCoy (QB): Despite completing just 6 of 18 passes, his 148 passing yards included the decisive strike to Harris.
Historical Context
- This was Southern’s fourth straight Bayou Classic win, further cementing their edge in the rivalry. The Jaguars avoided what could have been one of the worst seasons in program history, ending on a high note despite finishing with only two wins. Interim head coach Fred McNair praised his team’s resilience: “It’s just the resiliency of these guys. They fought every day. To keep these guys motivated during the changes — it was tough. The coaching staff did a great job. These guys were resilient.”
Grambling’s Missed Opportunity
For Grambling, the loss was a bitter end to an otherwise solid season. The Tigers had been favored to win and were seeking to snap Southern’s streak in the rivalry. Instead, they left New Orleans with disappointment, undone by missed opportunities and a late defensive lapse.
The Bigger Picture
The Bayou Classic is more than just a football game—it’s a cultural celebration of HBCU pride, tradition, and community. This year’s edition reminded fans why the rivalry remains one of the most iconic in college football. Southern’s victory, against all odds, will be remembered as a defining moment for the program and a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
In short: Southern’s 28–27 win wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement of resilience, a continuation of their Bayou Classic dominance, and a thrilling chapter in one of college football’s greatest rivalries.