---
"title": "Southern wins Bayou Classic to clinch spot in SWAC championship game"
"description": "Besean McCray rushed for 91 yards including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead Southern to a 34-17 win over Grambling State in the Bayou Classic on Saturday. Trailing 17-14 in the final period, the much-maligned sophomore quarterback took a read-option for a 22-yard TD to give the Jaguars a 21-17 lead.  McCray, […]"
"date": "2022-11-26"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "HBCU Sports"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2022/11/26/southern-wins-bayou-classic-to-clinch-spot-in-swac-championship-game/"
"categories":
  - "Football"
  - "News"
"tags":
  - "Grambling"
  - "Southern"
---

# Southern wins Bayou Classic to clinch spot in SWAC championship game

Besean McCray rushed for 91 yards including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead Southern to a 34-17 win over Grambling State in the Bayou Classic on Saturday. Trailing 17-14 in the final period, the much-maligned sophomore quarterback took a read-option for a 22-yard TD to give the Jaguars a 21-17 lead. McCray, who was named the Bayou Classic MVP, finished the game with 168 total yards of offense on the day. Southern (7-4) overall, 5-3 SWAC), got defensive scores from defensive back Jordan Carter and later safety Kriston Davis to put the game out of reach. With the win, Southern clinches the SWAC West division and a spot in the SWAC championship game against Jackson State next Saturday in Jackson, Miss. JSU beat Southern 35-0 when the teams met on Oct. 29. Southern leads the all-time series 25-24 over Grambling. For Grambling, freshman quarterback Julian Calvez threw for 152 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. Floyd Chalk IV rushed for 120 yards and Maurice Washington tallied 8.2 yards per carry on six attempts.