Winner Takes All! Bayou Classic will feature two unbeatens

Lights, camera, football! On this Saturday, November 26, the Southern University Jaguar football team (SU) will take on their biggest rival, the Tigers of Grambling State University (GSU), with a lot on the line as both teams head in the 43rd annual Bayou Classic unbeaten in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The showdown is set to take pkace at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana at 4 PM.
The stage is set for multiple reasons with the first, as the series goes, being that both teams are tied (21-21) and the winner of the game not only severes the tie, but also punches their ticket to the SWAC championship in Houston, Texas. Waiting for the winner of the classic are the Braves of Alcorn State University (ASU), who would like nothing more than “rain dance” on their opponent’s dream and claim the “ship” for themselves.
Second, for SU, this would be the exclamation point for their success on the year as players like Senior running back Lenard Tillery of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Senior wide receiver Willie Quinn of Miami, Florida who made themselves stand out with the help of their general behind center, junior quarterback Austin Howard, and the rest of the offensive unit.
Tillery, SWAC’s all-time leading rusher, recently severed the single season rushing record which was set at 1,399 by the late Odie Posey in 1949. Tillery’s current rush total for this season is at 1,431, which he is on track get break the 1,500 mark against GSU. If he does, this means running backs like junior, Herbert Edwards, and freshman, Darbbeon Profit, would have big cleats to fill for next season.
When asked about his emotions before his last home game as a Jaguar, Tillery said, “It was all smiles for me. I’ve been thinking about the season and all my other seasons since I’ve been here this week and it’s been emotional…a lot of tears, a lot of hugs.”
As for Quinn, the five-foot-five speedster has broke a few records as well for he now holds the title of being called Southern University’s all-time reception and receiving yard leader. Quinn is also one touchdown away from breaking the FCS record career kickoff returns.
When asked about his thoughts on his last game as a Jaguar, Quinn replied, “I’m just proud to go out each and everyday to work hard with my brothers…I’m going to miss these guys.”
In addition to the Jags’ offensive assault enters what may be a secret weapon going into the Classic. Senior wide receiver Allswell Opusunju earned his first career catch and touchdown last game against Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU).
On Opusunju’s next catch, he showed off some skill with one hand reeling the ball in for a 26 yard grab. The wide receiver gave his thoughts on the game.
“It’s really a blessing. It was a long journey just to get to this point and the journey is not over yet. We have another game to play,” said Opusunju.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jags lead the SWAC in interceptions (19) and second in fewest point allowed (25.9). This will have to play a factor in Saturday’s game as Grambling leads the SWAC in scoring offense (43.1), total offense (500.6), pass offense (298.6) and pass efficiency (163.9). Senior linebacker Roshaud Turner and junior linebacker Kentavious Preston leads the team in tackles this season with 56 each. Junior defensive end Aaron Tiller led the team in sacks (7) and forced fumbles (4) with the addition of 52 tackles. Junior cornerback Danny Johnson leads all of the SWAC in interceptions (7) and leads the team in solo tackles (35).
SU’s defense will be tested as they take on junior quarterback, Devante Kincade, and the high-powered offense GSU. Kincade will enter the game leading the SWAC in several passing statistics with his favorite target senior wide receiver, Chad Williams, who leads the SWAC in receiving yards (1102) and receptions (70).
“This is an endurance race. It takes mental fortitude, mental endurance and physical endurance to be there standing at the end,” said Grambling Head Football Coach Broderick Fobbs. “There’s going to be adversity in every football game, but the key is how you handle it.”
Odums says that his defense is up to the challenge. He briefly spoke on their mental state heading into Saturday’s game.
“They’re really locked in to what we’re trying to do. These guys understand how they became successful. It didn’t happen overnight.”