Every real college football fan knows to mark down the date of the annual Bayou Classic when the schedule comes out every year. For fans who don’t know, the Bayou Classic is the annual rivalry game between the Grambling Tigers and Southern Jaguars. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the two Louisiana rivals meet in New Orleans for the latest installment of perhaps the greatest rivalry that exists between two historically black colleges and universities. It’s a classic rivalry and a game every college football fan should experience in person at least once.

A Long Rivalry

Long before the Bayou Classic was an official game, Grambling State and Southern had a pre-existing rivalry. Traditionally, the Tigers and Jaguars are two of the pre-eminent programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Both programs have featured Hall of Fame coaches, most notably Eddie Robinson from Grambling and Ace Mumford and Marino Casem from Southern, as well as Doug Williams, who was both a player and coach for Grambling. The Tigers and Jaguars have met almost every year since 1932, with the all-time series being close to even, and the game evolving from bitter rivalry to amazing spectacle.

More Than a Game

Over the years, the Bayou Classic has become so much more than just a football game. Both the Southern and Grambling State marching bands compete in a two-part battle of the bands that showcases the musical prowess of both schools. There is also a host of activities for fans on both sides of the rivalry to enjoy leading up to the game, including a golf tournament, concert, job fair for upcoming graduates from both schools, the “Miss Bayou Classic” beauty pageant, and a Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Bayou Classic is truly an event that goes far beyond the football game and has inspired other historically black colleges and universities to hold similar events for their rivalry games.