NEW ORLEANS -An undefeated Southwestern Athletic Conference record didn’t last long for Grambling State Saturday in the Superdome.
The Tigers (8-3, 8-1 SWAC) had blown away every SWAC team it faced this year and only lost to division I schools Pittsburgh and University of Louisiana at Monroe before dropping the 34th annual State Farm Bayou Classic, 22-13 at the hands of Southern.
“They thought nobody in the SWAC could beat them but they hadn’t played Southern yet, so we had to come out and show them who we are,” Coates said.
Coates, SU’s offensive MVP played a huge part in his team’s success becoming the first running back all season to rush for 100 yards on Grambling as he went for 107 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Coates also had four receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown.
“It was really big to come out and run the ball early,” said SU running back Darren Coates. ”
“Coach (Orlando) told me I had to play big catching and running the ball,” Coates said. “We heard talk all week about how good their defensive line is but we knew our offensive line was better.”
Plus, on a crucial third and two Coates came up with what may have been the most clutch catch all night as he went up over GSU’s Jeffrey Jack and hauled in a pass from Warren Matthews for a 32 yard gain. The reception came with 3:28 remaining and helped ice the game as Josh Duran converted on a 37 yard field goal four plays later to put SU ahead 22-13.
“The last reception was a big play to clinch the win,” Coates said. “I beat him over the top and Warren just put it up in the air. It was a jump ball so I had to just go and get it.”
Southern (8-3, 6-3) held Grambling scoreless in the second and third quarters after the Tigers trailed 14-7 at the end of the first. SU did so with blitzes and pressure up front from Vince Lands and Frank Harry who each combined for a sack on GSU quarterback Brandon Landers.
In fact, after Grambling’s initial scoring drive, the Tigers were grounded by SU’s defense going 12 drives without a score. Four of those drives were three and outs.
“We knew that Grambling was going to try to have their way with us, so we had to dictate defensively,” said SU defensive coordinator Terrance Graves. “We refused to let the quarterback sit back there and get in a rhythm. Our job was to disrupt his rhythm, knock him around and make plays, and that’s what we did.”
“We really wanted to get them rattled and bring the pressure to them,” said SU defensive lineman Vince Lands. “We wanted to make them work for everything they got.”
SU redshirt sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee came out on fire completing 12-of-18 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown and was 9-of-9 for 92 yards and a touchdown while directing two consecutive 80-yard scoring drives in the first quarter before injuring his hand right hand (fractured thumb) in the second quarter.
“Offensively we wanted to get in attack mode and make them play east and west early in the ball game,” said SU offensive coordinator Mark Orlando.
“We were still going to stay in attack mode but B. Lee got hurt and our defense was dominating,” Orlando said. “I didn’t want to put Warren in a tough situation but he came through at the end when we opened it back up again. Warren and B. Lee both played great games.”
Grambling came into the game averaging 28.1 points per game while only allowing 15.8 per game, but gave up 22 points Saturday while only scoring 13. The Tigers also came up short passing and rushing as they were held to 36 rushing yards and 50 passing yards. Grambling came in averaging 222.3 passing yards per game and 130.5 rushing.
“Defensively we didn’t want to give up the big plays and make them drive the field,” said SU head coach Pete Richardson. “We did a great job of that and came up with some turnovers.”
The Tigers also averaged 352.7 yards total offense per game but came up 266.7 yards shy with 86 yards total and two turnovers in the loss.
“When it comes to the Bayou Classic all the stats and records don’t mean anything,” said SU defensive back Jarmaul George. “We could have been 8-0 and they could have been 0-8 but if they beat us in the Classic it would have made the season for their fans. That’s what everybody looks forward too.”
“It’s a big time game for both universities.”
GAME BALLS
SU’s Coates and Lee got the ball rolling early Saturday as they both came out razor sharp with Lee 12-of-18 passes for 120 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Lee was 9-of-9 for 92 yards and one touchdown before fracturing the thumb on his (right) throwing hand.
Darren Coates was named SU’s offensive MVP for his performance as he had 20 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown and four receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Also, the SU defense held GSU 15 points under its 28.1 ppg average against SWAC opponents this season. SU sophomore linebacker Jonathan Malveaux also had 16 tackles (10 solo, six assisted) and a pass breakup.
“We put a lot of pressure on the quarterback especially coming in from the outside,” Richardson said. “I wanted to get him out of his comfort zone because he’s an outstanding quarterback when he can sit back there.”
LAGNIAPPE
SU Sports Information Director Kevin Manns was honored as the Urban Sports News SID of the year. This was the first year USN selected an SID of the year as Manns made history as the first.
Darren Coates was the first running back to gain over 100 yards rushing on GSU’s defense all season, as the Tigers came in allowing 96.5 rushing yards per game. Coates had 107 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries.
Coates also celebrated by dunking the football on the goal post after scoring SU’s second touchdown of the first quarter and was flagged for excessive celebration.
“I just wanted to do something my last game at Southern,” Coates said. “Coach wasn’t mad he just told me it’s a close game. It worked out, though, and I had fun.”
Also, SU defensive back Michael Williams has an interception in the three final games. The victory is Richardson’s 12th Bayou Classic win in 15 attempts.
How They Scored
– Coates takes handoff from Lee and runs in for a one yard touchdown. Josh Duran converts extra point. Drive was good for nine plays and 80 yards while spanning 3:17. SU leads 7-0.
– GSU running back Cornelius Walker takes handoff from Landers and goes in from one yard out. Tim Manuel converts extra point. Drive was good for 13 plays and 61 yards spanning 5:33. Score tied at 7.
– Lee completes 10 yard pass to Coates for the touchdown. Duran converts on extra point. Drive was good for 10 plays 80 yards spanning 4:09. SU leads 14-7.
– Punt blocked by SU defensive back Joe Manning, recovered by Brandon Green as he slid out of bounds for the safety. SU leads 16-7.
– Duran converts on a 23 yard field goal. Drive good for four plays and one yard while spanning 2:14. SU leads 19-7.
– Landers hits Edwards on a 27 yard touchdown pass. Drive spanned eight plays and 67 yards while spanning 2:47. Manuel’s extra point attempt was blocked. SU leads 19-13.
– Duran converts on a 37 yard field goal. Drive was good for nine plays and 52 yards while spanning 4:03. SU leads 22-13.
Categories:
Southern dominates Bayou Classic
January 18, 2008
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