Mickey Joseph wants to use Bayou Classic as a springboard to “restore order” in the SWAC.

Although Grambling State has lost four of its last six regular season games heading into Saturday’s Bayou Classic matchup against 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 order” so that the Tigers would be the premier HBCU football team in America, as they were in the golden years under Eddie Robinson , Doug Williams and Rod Broadway.

“You have to fear Grambling, and that’s what we set out to do,” Joseph said during his introductory press conference last December. This is what we have to do.”

Since Grambling won the HBCU national championship in 2016 under Broderick Fobbs, the Tigers have posted a 40-39 record under three different coaches, including Joseph at the helm.

A win in the Bayou Classic would not only end the team’s two-game losing streak against SWAC West champion Southern, but also symbolize a move in what Joseph hopes is the right direction.

“A win would mean a lot because it would mean we have something to build on in the offseason,” Joseph said this week. “That’s what we preach. Let’s keep fighting.”

While a 6-6 record isn’t the norm at Grambling State, this would almost be considered a win considering SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Myles Crawley’s inconsistent play in the preseason, a season problem with penalties and calls that The offensive coordinator with Eric Dooley should be replaced or his role reduced.

Despite all the crap, Joseph, a Louisiana native, understands that expectations in Grambling must be met quickly

Joseph knows he hasn’t reached that level this season.

“I get to walk down the sideline where Eddie Robinson and Doug Williams and the legendary coaches and players who played for the G walked,” Joseph said. “We are not yet where we want to be, but we will still restore this order. Trust me.”

51. Bayou Classics
When: Saturday November 30th
Where: Mercedez Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
Time: 1pm CT
TV/Streaming: NBC/Peacock