Grambling State easily defeats rival Southern 38-17 in Bayou Classic

There’s little question as to how much the Grambling State players wished the Tigers had one more game next weekend in Birmingham, Ala., the site of the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.

Since the Tigers just barely missed on playing for the conference title, there probably isn’t a better way for Grambling to wrap up its successful season than taking it out on its biggest rival in what so many supporters deem as the most important game of every season. Grambling State (9-2 overall, 8-1 SWAC) was never threatened as it defeated Southern 38-17 in Saturday’s State Farm Bayou Classic at the Superdome.

Grambling brings home Bayou Classic victory

NEW ORLEANS — Frank Warren ran for three touchdowns and collected MVP honors, defensive end Jomarcus Savage had a key interception return for a touchdown and Grambling beat Southern 38-17 in the Bayou Classic on Saturday.

Grambling (9-2 overall, 8-1 SWAC) forced Southern (2-9, 1-8) to punt on its opening drive, but GSU returner Kiare Thompson muffed the punt and the Jaguars recovered deep in GSU territory, leading to a 27-yard field goal and a 3-0 Southern lead early in the first quarter.

Grambling beats Southern, 38-17 in Bayou Classic

Frank Warren ran for 106 yards and three touchdowns and Anthony Carrothers passed for 167 yards as Grambling dominated Southern 38-10 before the smallest crowd in Bayou Classic history Saturday. The Tigers (9-2) won for the third consecutive time against the Jaguars (2-9) and, in the process, handed Southern its first nine-loss season in school history.

It was a fitting end to a disappointing first season under new coach Stump Mitchell, who set the bar sky-high for the Jaguars during the preseason, saying he thought his team had a chance to go undefeated and win the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

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