Image via Kalen Williams
Courtesy of Willie D. Scott, Associate Director of Strategic Communications | Director of Media Relations
28
Winner SU
27
GSU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SU | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 28 |
| GSU | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Southern University dramatically capped its 2025 season, rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat longtime rival Grambling State 28–27 in the 52nd Bayou Classic on November 29 at the Caesars Superdome before a crowd of 59,007. The victory marks the Southern seniors’ fourth consecutive win in the historic rivalry.
Grambling controlled much of the first half, building a 14–0 lead on touchdown passes of 9 and 28 yards from quarterback Hayden Benoit. Southern responded late in the second quarter when running back Trey Holly punched in a 1-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14–7. Grambling added a field goal before halftime to lead 17–7. Southern came out strong after the break. Barry Remo electrified the crowd with a 51-yard touchdown run just 21 seconds into the third quarter, trimming the margin to 17–14.
Down 24–14 entering the final period, the Jaguars mounted their comeback. Holly scored his second rushing touchdown of the game from 9 yards out to make it 24–21. Grambling extended the lead with a 52-yard field goal, setting up a tense finish with Southern trailing 27–21 midway through the fourth quarter.
Southern then delivered the game’s decisive drive. Quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy connected with Khalil Harris on a 34-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point gave the Jaguars their first lead of the game at 28–27 with 7:16 remaining. The Southern defense held firm on Grambling’s final possessions, sealing the victory.
By the Numbers
Trey Holly: 18 carries, 61 yards, two touchdowns
Barry Remo: 7 carries, 100 yards, 51 yard TD run
Cam’Ron McCoy: 6-of-18 passing, 148 yards, 1 TD
Southern rushed for 204 yards compared to Grambling’s 85
Keys to Southern’s Bayou Classic Victory
1. Dominance on the Ground
1.Southern’s rushing attack controlled the game when it mattered most. The Jaguars piled up 204 rushing yards, more than double Grambling’s 85.
2. Remo: 100 yards on just 7 carries, including a 51-yard touchdown.
3. Holly: 61 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
4. This physical edge allowed Southern to control the tempo in the second half and wear down the Tigers’ defense
2. Explosive Plays at Critical Moments
1. Southern didn’t score often, but when it did, the plays were game-changing:
2. Remo’s 51-yard TD run to open the third quarter.
3. Khalil Harris 34-yard TD receptionin the fourth quarter for the game-winning score.
4. Those explosive plays flipped momentum and erased Grambling’s advantage quickly.
Fourth-Quarter Execution
1. Down 27–21 in the fourth quarter, Southern executed under pressure:
2. A quick 75-yard touchdown drive capped by Holly’s second score.
3. A composed 75-yard game-winning drive finished by McCoy’s touchdown pass to Harris.
4. Southern scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, while the defense shut Grambling out in the final minutes
4. Defensive Pressure
1.Southern’s defense consistently disrupted Grambling quarterback Hayden Benoit
2. four sacks
3. 10 tackles for loss
4. one interception
5. The constant pressure limited Grambling’s passing efficiency and helped hold the Tigers to just 3 points in the fourth quarter
5. Winning the Turnover Battle
1. Southern finished +1 in turnovers, recording an interception with no turnovers lost of its own. That mistake-free football proved decisive in a one-point rivalry game
6. Poise in a Rivalry Environment
1.In front of 59,007 fans on the Bayou Classic stage, Southern showed discipline and composure late, overcoming:
2. A 17–7 halftime deficit
3. Multiple missed field goals earlier in the game
4. A late Grambling field goal that temporarily regained the lead 5. The Jaguars never panicked — and that mental toughness sealed their fourth straight Bayou Classic victory.
