Ready for Action: Bayou Classic Preview

Michigan vs Ohio State, USC vs Notre Dame, Alabama vs LSU. When it comes to college football, some rivalries are a must watch.
Historically black colleges are no different. Alabama A&M vs Alabama State, Florida A&M vs Bethune-Cookman, Jackson State vs Alcorn State.
Then, there’s Grambling State and Southern in the granddaddy of them all, the Bayou Classic.
The 44th Annual Bayou Classic takes place this Saturday, November 25 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
The Grambling State University Tigers are riding high on a 9-game winning streak, entering this week’s matchup undefeated in SWAC play.
The Southern University Jaguars hold a solid record of 7-3, with a loss to Alcorn State preventing them from also being undefeated in conference.
Although the Jags lead the all-time series 36-32, Grambling holds the edge in the Bayou Classic 22-21.
After last year’s 52-30 beatdown left a sour mark, Head Coach Dawson Odums and the Jags look forward to regaining their dominance in the rivalry. This year, bragging rights will not be the only thing on the line.
The winner of this season finale will represent the Western division in the final SWAC football championship game against the Alcorn State University Braves December 2nd in Houston, Texas.
After losing the phenomenal talents of receiver, Willie Quinn and rusher, Lenard Tillery, Southern has a new, balanced look to its offense, possessing the ability to beat teams on the ground or through the air.
Senior quarterback, Austin Howard ,continues to find his stride leading the offense.
Senior running back, Herbert Edwards’ aggressive downhill running style compliments the agility of sophomore tailback, Devon Benn.
Freshmen wideouts, Jamar Washington and Kendall Catalon, have stepped up in the passing game, along with junior tight end Dillon Beard.
On defense, both teams lead the SWAC in interceptions. Under the leadership of seniors Aaron Tiller, Danny Johnson, and KP Preston, the defense has proven to be an elite defense in the conference. Senior defensive back Danny Johnson has even proved to be a threat on offense and special teams.
Despite all the playmakers that will be on the field Saturday, Coach Odums spoke on who truly will decide the game during the annual press conference Monday. “It comes down to the offensive line and defensive line, and whichever group controls the other will have the upper hand.”
When asked how exciting it is to have two dynamic quarterbacks on opposing sides leading this rivalry, Coach Odums’ response was, “We both come in with two explosive offenses, I really like our offense now compared to the offense we had a year ago. . .we relied more on Lenard Tillery and Willie Quinn, but we’re able to spread the ball more with Austin moving the ball to different running backs, receivers, and tight ends which forces Grambling’s defense to defend the whole field.”
After Monday’s press conference there’s only one matter of business left…the game.
It’s now playoff mode for SU, win or go home.