NEW ORLEANS - The Southern football team beat Grambling 24-14 Saturday at the Caesars Superdome to claim a third straight Bayou Classic win.

Southern running back Kendric Rhymes put the rivalry game to bed with a 45-yard rushing touchdown with 3:31 left in the fourth quarter to make it a 24-14 game.

The Southern offense had over 200 rushing yards in the game.

Grambling did cut the Southern lead to three points in the fourth quarter after a Keilon Elder rushing touchdown. However, the score was the Tigers only offensive touchdown of the game.

Southern quarterback Jalen Woods made his second career start, and finished the game 9-for-17 for 176 yards with a touchdown and interception. The one touchdown pass came in the third quarter on a 41-yard strike to Chandler Whitfield.

The Jaguars got on the board first with a CJ Russell rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The touchdown was set up by a Chandler Whitfield 35-yard reception.

Southern kicker Josh Griffin made it a 10-0 game after a 26-yard field goal.

Grambling, however, would return the ensuing kickoff 94-yards for a touchdown to make it a 10-7 game.

Southern, now 8-4 overall, will play Jackson State in the SWAC Championship game next week.