A SWAC rivalry that beats all records at the 2024 Bayou Classic

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) – the 2024 Bayou Classic. Year after year, this rivalry between Southern University and Grambling State University ignites passions, stokes bravado and creates an atmosphere that goes beyond football. This year’s game is no exception, as both teams are hungry for victory and determined to secure a victory in a rivalry steeped in the heart, history and unyielding spirit of HBCU culture.

Southern University enters this year’s Bayou Classic with renewed confidence and purpose. The Jaguars had an outstanding season, capped by a clear SWAC West championship. Under the leadership of new head coach Terrence Graves, who took over the Classic last year, Southern has found its rhythm, especially after a rocky start.

Despite early struggles, including tough losses to Jackson State and Florida A&M, Southern has shown resilience and bounced back from adversity. With Graves at the helm, Southern has re-established itself as a dominant force in the SWAC. Quarterback play, which was a question mark early in the season, has improved significantly, with both returning and new quarterbacks rising to the challenge.

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“I would sum up the season as resilient and unimaginable because of the way the team won and fought through adversity, particularly at the quarterback position,” said Eric White, sports editor at The Southern Digest. “The team felt humbled in big games like JSU and FAMU, but they learned a lesson and applied that lesson to other crucial matchups to be in the position they are in now.”

As the Southern University Jaguars prepare for the 2024 Bayou Classic, the big question on everyone’s mind is who the starting quarterback will be. While many fans believe Noah Bodden, the starter in last year’s Classic, could get the nod, the quarterback position is about more than just past experience – it’s about the numbers. Southern has had quite the roller coaster of a season and their quarterback play reflects that roller coaster. The season began with Bodden under center, but after struggling with inconsistency, the Jaguars turned to Czavian Teasett. Johnson showed promise and led the team to some important victories until he was injured in the game against Jackson State. The team then returned to Bodden for a few games, but the offensive problems continued, both in the passing game and rushing.

Recently, after healing, Teasett has returned to the starting role, showing what Southern was looking for: a dynamic, flexible quarterback. Despite his efforts, the team still faced inconsistencies, which led to a surprising move in the game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. With starting quarterbacks Bodden and Teasett struggling to find their rhythm, the Jaguars turned to third quarterback Jalen Woods, who stepped in and delivered a dominating performance that led Southern to a much-needed win. This unexpected spark has made the quarterback situation even more uncertain, as all three quarterbacks – Noah Bodden, Czavian Teasett and Jalen Woods – have shown potential but also faced challenges.

Statistically speaking, Bodden has thrown for 1,302 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, while Teasett has thrown for 891 yards and 6 touchdowns in fewer games. Despite seeing limited playing time, Woods impressed with a 65% completion rate and a touchdown in his only start. With the Bayou Classic just around the corner, the decision will likely come down to which quarterback can provide the consistency needed for Southern to pull off a win.

“The Classic will forever be a special game no matter what the score is,” White said of the Classic’s place in Southern’s season. “Southern could be winless or undefeated, but the goal is to always stay ahead of your rival. Bragging rights are the priority every time, but Southern has to approach the game like any other game, which is to win in all phases.”

On the other hand, Grambling State has had a challenging season and is ultimately eliminated from the SWAC Championship conversation. However, the Tigers have shown a lot of grit in recent weeks and finished the season strong with notable victories, including a win over Jackson State, a team Southern has yet to beat this season. Despite a disappointing loss to Bethune-Cookman, Grambling’s fight is far from over.

One thing is for sure: Grambling will have something to prove at the Bayou Classic. Regardless of whether the Tigers were on the rise in the regular season or not, the Bayou Classic is always an opportunity to make a statement. Both teams will play with a chip on their shoulder, with each team aware that this game is about much more than the season record.

The Bayou Classic is about more than just wins, losses or even individual statistics. It is a celebration of culture, history and community that brings together alumni, students and fans from across the country. For many, this game is a tradition – a rite of passage that extends beyond the football field.

READ MORE: For fans of all generations, Bayou Classic is a celebration of tradition and shared bonds

“The Bayou Classic is so much more than a football game; It is a celebration of culture, history and community,” said Martavious Ellis, Grambling’s official 51st^st Bayou Classic Influencer. “For many, it is a reunion that brings together generations of alumni, fans and families who have made this weekend a tradition. It is an event that highlights the incredible impact that HBCUs have had on education and culture, particularly through the SWAC schools. From the energy in the stands to the halftime show, where the battle of the bands takes center stage, it is a reminder of the pride and legacy these institutions carry.”

Ellis continued: “When it comes to the game itself, it’s not just about records; It’s about representing your school, your city and even your family. Every year both teams have something to prove, regardless of their season performance. It’s about heart and determination. If you win the Bayou Classic, you get bragging rights for a year, and that’s priceless in SWAC culture. It is a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit that characterizes these schools and that is what makes them so special.”

Southern holds a narrow 26-24 lead in the all-time series and has won the last two iterations of the matchup, but the Bayou Classic is always unpredictable. With both teams giving their best regardless of their season performance, the intensity of the rivalry guarantees an exciting game for fans of both sides.

How to watch the 2024 Bayou Classic

• When: Saturday November 30th
• Where: Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
• TV channels: NBC
• Live stream: peacock

About the author
Kynnedi Jackson is a graduate of Southern University and is currently in her third year as a student writer for the Bayou Classic Preview at NBC Sports. Kynnedi is a dedicated mass communications major with a concentration in public relations and sports. She has a passion for storytelling and the role of sport in shaping culture and community. Her experiences at Southern University have strengthened her ambition to pursue her career in the sports media industry and she is excited for the future.