After a few hiccups, Grambling’s defense stands strong and stops Southern in the Bayou Classic

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NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- It was fitting that Grambling defensive end Michael Jolivet sacked Austin Howard to finish off Southern’s last-gasp drive Saturday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The play capped a game of comebacks for Grambling and sealed a 34-23 win at the 42nd Bayou Classic.

For a maligned defense that fell into a 20-3 hole early in the second quarter, the results provided proof that Grambling believed in itself when things looked bleak.

Photos: The sights, celebrations and big plays of another thrilling Bayou Classic

“Its outstanding to finally get some recognition for what we do on our side of the ball,” Jolivet said. “We work extremely hard all during the week, and it’s great for it to finally pay off on a big stage.”

Grambling was pushed around in the first half as two touchdown passes from Howard helped Southern take a 20-3 lead with 12:08 left before the break. But the Jaguars managed just three points the rest of the way.

Grambling’s offense began to find a groove as the Tigers pulled within 20-10 on Johnathan Williams’ 3-yard touchdown pass. Seemingly unfazed, Southern took the kickoff, and quickly moved to the GSU 41 where Nicholas Peoples made a momentum changing interception.


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