Grambling's Bryan Powell ejected for targeting vs. Southern football in 2021 Bayou Classic

Grambling State linebacker Bryan Powell was ejected for targeting in the first quarter against Southern University football during the 2021 Bayou Classic on Saturday in New Orleans.

Powell was ejected for his hit on Southern quarterback Ladarius Skelton with 5:15 left in the first quarter.

The referee initially announced Grambling defensive lineman Toddrick Paul as being ejected, and Paul started to walk off the field. The referee then corrected it to Powell that was ejected.

Grambling led Southern 7-3 at the time of Powell's ejection.

Grambling went on to defeat Southern 29-26.

Grambling State improved to 4-7 overall and 3-5 in the Southwestern Conference. Southern University went to 4-7 overall and 3-5 in the SWAC.

After Saturday, Southern University leads the all-time series 39-34 vs. Grambling State. Southern and Grambling are tied 24-24 all-time in the Bayou Classic.

Here's more Grambling State, Southern football news:

• Terrence Graves: See Grambling coach Terrence Graves fiery pregame speech at Bayou Classic vs. Southern

• Bayou Classic: Garrett Urban's 25-yard field goal on final play lifts Grambling to Bayou Classic over Southern

• Garrett Urban: See Grambling's Garrett Urban field goal to beat Southern football, win 2021 Bayou Classic

Terrence Graves is the Grambling State football interim head coach. Jason Rollins is the Southern University football interim head coach.

Erik Hall is the lead digital producer for sports with the USA Today Network. You can find him on Twitter @HallErik.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Grambling's Bryan Powell ejected for targeting in 2021 Bayou Classic