Bayou Classic Preview

The Grambling State Tigers and the Southern Jaguars travel to New Orleans, LA to square off in the Bayou Classic on November 25th. Southern lost to Arkansas Pine Bluff 45-20 while Grambling had a bye last week.

When Southern has the ball:
Entering this season Southern was picked to represent the Western Division in the SWAC championship game, the 2006 season hasn’t gone as planned. Southern has struggled mightily with inconsistency at the quarterback position all season. Southern has seen three players occupy the position throughout the year, none of which has thrown for 300 yards in a game this season. However, the Jaguars have seen a drastic improvement on the ground throughout the season. After gaining a total of one yard in their 30-29 victory over Bethune Cookman earlier in the season, Southern has 388 yards on the ground in their last two games. Led by Kendall Addison’s 6.4 yards per carry the Jaguars have a legitimate running back in the backfield. Gerard Landry leads Southern with 48 receptions on the year. Grambling’s defense also has been plagued with inconsistency this season. Ranked 8th in the SWAC in total defense, the Tigers have struggled consistently against the run. In Grambling’s last two games, the Tigers have given up 324 total yards on the ground. However, Grambling has the second ranked pass defense in the conference only giving up 134 yards a game. Zaire Wilborn continues to have a solid season; Wilborn has 74 tackles on the season and always seems to be around the ball. Grambling’s ability to stop the run will be a major factor in the outcome of the game.
Advantage: Southern

When Grambling has the ball:

Grambling enters into the Bayou Classic with the number one rated offense in the SWAC. Grambling averages 382 yards a game and 30 points a game. The Tigers have also turned the ball over 18 times this season in conference play. Brandon Landers leads the SWAC in total yards and passing yards on the season. Clyde Edwards and Henry Tolbert are the top two receivers statistically in the conference. However, for some odd reason Grambling enters into the Bayou Classic 3-6. The major reason for Grambling’s struggles in the 06 season, slow starts. Grambling has been outscored on the season in the first half by seven points, which doesn’t seem like much. However, in the second half, Grambling has outscored its opponents by 34 points. Southern ranks 6th in total defense in the conference, but the Jaguars have the number one rated pass defense in the SWAC. Southern only gives up 126 yards per game. The weakness in the Jags defense is their ability to stop the run. Southern has the 9th worst run defense in the conference, one spot ahead of Grambling. Jarmaul George leads the conference in interceptions with 5. Grambling will be able to pick their poison in this game, Southern won’t be able to match up against Grambling’s Receivers nor will they be able to stop Grambling’s run game.
Advantage: Grambling

Southern leads the all-time series 27-26 and will be looking to add another victory into the win column. This game is a must win game for both coaches; expect to see all the tricks pulled out. My feeling is that Grambling will have one more than Southern.

Grambling 38
Southern 35