Despite Grambling State having lost four of its last six regular games ahead of Saturday’s Bayou Classic matchup versus Southern, head coach Mikey Joseph is still holding on to his promise that the program will return to prominence.
After being named Grambling coach 11 months ago, Joseph mentioned that one of his goals was to immediately “restore the order” of the Tigers being the premiere HBCU football team in America, like during the golden years under Eddie Robinson, Doug Williams, and Rod Broadway.
“They need to fear Grambling, and that’s what we set out to do,” Joseph said last December during his introductory press conference. That’s what we need to do.”
Since Grambling won the HBCU national championship under Broderick Fobbs in 2016, the Tigers have gone 40-39 with three different coaches, including Joseph at the helm.
A win in the Bayou Classic would not only break the team’s two-game losing streak to SWAC West champion Southern, but it would also symbolize a movement in what Joseph hopes is the right direction.
“A victory would mean a lot because it would mean we have something to build on going into the offseason,” Joseph said this week. “That’s what we are preaching. Let’s continue to fight.”
Though going 6-6 isn’t the standard at Grambling State, doing so would almost be considered a win when factoring in inconsistent play from preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Myles Crawley, a season-long issue with penalties and conversations that offensive coordinator Eric Dooley should be replaced or have his role reduced.
Though all that muck, Joseph, the Louisiana native, understands expections must be met quickly at Grambling
Joseph knows this season didn’t rise to that level.
“I get to walk the sidelines that Eddie Robinson and Doug Williams and legendary coaches and players that played for the G walked,” Joseph said. “We are not where we want to be, but we are still going to restore this order. Trust me.”
51st Bayou Classic
When: Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: Mercedez Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
Time: 1p.m. CT
TV/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
