Bayou Classic (38 Annual)

This game makes me feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. When the first of October rolls around, I start talking about this game and just can’t wait for it to get here. The Bayou Classic is played on the last Saturday in November, giving me almost 2 months of anticipation. This is the don’t miss sporting event of the year, surpassing all other sports including the Super Bowl, World Series, and the Olympics (for me anyways).

Not being an alumni of either school (never even visited the State of Louisiana) or having any other ties to the teams, this game is just pure football enjoyment for me. The same teams play every year (GSU and SU) and the series is so close you can expect a great (and entertaining) game every year. The halftime show is a don’t miss event on it’s own, the Battle of the Bands!

The Important Information

What: The State Farm Bayou Classic (State Farm is the primary sponsor).

When: Saturday November 26, 2011

Who: Grambling State and Southern University

Where: Louisiana Super Dome, Televised on NBC (check your listings)

Halftime: Battle of the Bands

Grambling leads the series 19-18

Now all that is left to do (besides wait) is clear your calendar and plan the Bayou Classic Football Party!

The Bayou Classic (For Those Who Don’t Know)

Once upon a time I was a sports fanatic. I could name the starters for most teams, their records, schedules and injury lists. Those days ended a long time ago, when the Browns left Cleveland.  I’ve tried to get my excitement for sports back, but I’m afraid it may be gone forever. The only game I truly look forward to watching every year is the Bayou Classic. Back in the day when I was still a fanatic I discovered black college football when BET (Black Entertainment Television) used to show games, that was probably around 20 years ago.

The 36^th annual State Farm Bayou Classic was played November 28, 2009. As always the teams playing were the Grambling Tigers and the Southern Jaguars. The Tigers won 31-13, even though it was a blowout and the Tigers outplayed the Jaguars in all parts of the game it’s still one you should kick yourself if you missed. Over the years I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter who wins or how close the score it’s always worth the watch. The game is always full of great runs, passes and diving tumbling touchdowns. Scenarios you don’t normally see, like going for it on 4^th and 10 in the first quarter with the score at 0-0. It’s just a fun and entertaining game, and for halftime they have the Battle of the Bands, where the Grambling and  the Southern bands go head to head in music, marching and dancing. It’s not just team vs. team its school vs. school. What could be better?

Even though I don’t care who wins the game, I always start off in the Tigers corner but I cheer at every great play (and there are many) and often pull for whoever is losing, and I’m just as happy if the Jaguars win. The reason I always start out pulling for the Tigers is because of Eddie Robinson. Robinson coached the Tigers for 56 years and won 408 games and more than 200 of his players went on to play in the AFL and NFL. The more I find out about Eddie Robinson the more respect I have for him, not just as a coach but as a man (google or wiki him for yourself).

So in November 2010 on the Saturday after Thanksgiving look for the State Farm Bayou Classic on NBC, you won’t be sorry (you may even thank me). I have to thank BET for showing those games that got me hooked so long ago (you should do it again) State Farm for sponsoring the game and NBC for showing the game.