NEW ORLEANS – After rallying from a 17-point deficit, the Grambling State University (9-2, 9-0 SWAC) Tigers defeat the Southern University Jaguars (6-5, 6-3 SWAC). The final score was 34-23 at the 42^nd Annual Bayou Classic at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
 
The Tigers are undefeated in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the first time since 2008. Grambling also snatched their first Bayou Classic victory in three years, tying the classic record 21-21.
 
GSU quarterback Johnathan Williams and SU quarterback Austin Howard were named game MVPs. Williams finished 20-for-34 for 272 yards and three touchdowns. Howard went 24-for-40 for 241 yards and one touchdown.
 
Southern jumped off to an early start in the first half, leading by 17.  The Tigers rallied back.
 
"(Southern) hit us in the mouth early, but (Grambling) responded played well," GSU head coach Broderick Fobbs said after the game.
 
After a quick start by Southern, the Tigers responded with a 28-3 point run over the last three quarters.
 
Wide receiver Ka'Jandre Domino pulled down a 46-yard catch to swing the momentum back into the Tigers' favor. He finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Williams. The Tigers trailed 20-10 in the second quarter.
 
Defensive back Nicholas Peoples snatched a 46-yard interception to set the Tigers up for another touchdown. Wide receiver Verlan Hunter snagged a 4-yard touchdown. At halftime, the Tigers were within three, 20-17.
 
Wide receiver Chad Williams finished the Jaguars off with a 54-yard reception moments into the final quarter.
 
The win was a collective effort for the Tigers. Four players collected more than 40 yards receiving.  On the ground, running backs Jestin Kelly and Martez Carter grabbed 129 rushing yards. Johnathan Williams chipped in 78 rushing yards.
 
The Tigers extended their lead, 31-20. A Jaguars' field goal late in the fourth quarter was not enough to overcome the Tigers' run.  
 
The Tigers clinched a SWAC championship berth two weeks ago, and they will face the Alcorn State University Braves (8-3, 8-1 SWAC) in Houston for the conference title on December 5. Grambling defeated Alcorn on October 17 with a score of 35-34 in Lorman, Mississippi.  The SWAC champion will play North Carolina A&T State University in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 19.