Historically, Grambling State and Southern University have arguably had the two most successful football teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Through the 2018 season, Grambling has more SWAC football titles than any other school (25, not including their vacated 1975 title); Southern has the second most with 19. Grambling and SU also have more black national titles than any other SWAC schools. As of 2017, Grambling has the second most titles in the entire country with 15 total, while SU has the fourth most at the FCS-level (11). The two schools have also represented the SWAC in 13 of the 15 Pelican, Heritage, and Celebration bowls.
Through now, Southern leads the overall series with Grambling, beginning in 1932, by a 36–33 margin. Both teams have 23 overall victories, and Grambling State claims the longest winning streak in the all-time series, nine games from 1970 to 1978 (including SU’s 1972 forfeit).
Prior to 1974, though the game was viewed as a big in-state rivalry between the two schools, it was not nearly the media spectacle that it is today. After it was re-branded as the Bayou Classic and moved to New Orleans, a trophy was added and numerous events were also scheduled to be held throughout the week leading up to the game itself. Games in the series played before 1974 are generally not included within the context of the Bayou Classic.
Come watch the game at the Classic Jewel Saturday November, 27 at 1:30 pm 353 E. Bonneville Las Vegas, NV 89101.
