New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Southern University might have suffered through its third straight losing season, but the Jaguars used the XXXIX Bayou Classic to end it in a big way.
On Saturday, Southern stopped a four-game losing streak against rival Grambling State by defeating the Tigers, 38-33, in Southwestern Athletic Conference action at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Southern ended its season with a 4-7 record, but bragging rights for at least one year.
The Jaguars fell behind 14-0, but regrouped with their passing game. Quarterback Dray Joseph threw for five touchdowns and 287 yards. Three of his touchdown passes went to receiver Charles Hawkins, who caught six passes for 99 yards.
Grambling cut a 38-20 deficit to a five-point game late in the fourth quarter, but quarterback Frank Rivers was sacked and fumbled the ball to end the contest on Southern's 41-yard line.
Southern running back Sylvester Nzekwe led all players with 100 rushing yards on 25 carries, although the Jaguars were outgained, 402 yards to 390. The Jaguars forced three turnovers and held GSU to just 54 rushing yards on 28 attempts.
Grambling State finished its season with a 1-10 record, just one year removed from winning the SWAC title. It's the team's first one-win season since 1941, which was also the program's inaugural season led by coach Eddie Robinson.
Southern interim coach Dawson Odoms, who took over the team for most of the season after the school fired coach "Stump" Mitchell in Week 3, finished the season with an uncertain future. The Jaguars were 3-6 in SWAC play.
Grambling State quarterback D.J. Williams, the son of Tigers coach Doug Williams, threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns, but only completed 22- of-46 passes and had one interception. Receiver Jeremy Hernandez caught 11 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown in the loss.
