SWAC week 5 Preview
Charles Wells, SWAC Contributor | October 02, 2015
ALABAMA STATE AT TEXAS SOUTHERN
Thursday October 1 6:30 p.m. CST
BBVA Compass Stadium (22,039) Houston, Texas
TV: ESPNU
Series: Alabama State leads, 16-12-2
Last Meeting: September 27, 2014 – Montgomery, Ala.
Alabama State 38, Texas Southern 3
To put it plain and simple this is an elimination game, the loser will have 3 conference losses and will have too much ground to make up. For Alabama State this season so far has to be somewhat of a disappointment. Injuries at the QB position and the lack of a dominate running game has stymied the offense. (9th in the league in total offense). Only a victory over hapless Valley separates the Hornets from a winless start. Even though this is a road game, this game is sort of a trap for the Hornets as Southern comes to town next week. This team isn’t made to look ahead. LB Kourtney Berry is a stud and should cause headache for the TSU offense. Texas Southern is bringing the #2 defense in the SWAC into this contest although that number is buoyed by a game against Bacone. Although they don’t have anyone in the top 10 rushing category the Tigers run the ball well, passing gets a bit dicey. They do have a potential weapon in Derrick Griffin. With the West race being a three team fight, the Tigers will be out if they lose. A win will help them keep pace with games still left against Grambling and Southern. This is a total toss up, plus it’s a short week for both teams. Prediction: ASU 27 TSU 21
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M VS. UNIVERSITY OF FAITH
Saturday October 3 1:00 p.m. CST
Waller ISD Stadium (10,000) Waller, Texas
TV: None
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: N/A
Gonna keep this one short and sweet, PVU will have a field day on offense and the defense will look great against the Glory Eagles. I don’t think anybody knows what the University of Faith has but it will not be enough. This is a scrimmage for the Panthers, their first of two tune ups before they face Southern in a crucial West Division matchup. This game doesn’t count officially in the stats or standing so any numbers PVU puts up will vanish after the game. Trey Green, Johnta Hebert, Courtney Brown, and Nick Pitre will put on a show. The Glory Eagles get a trip to Texas. Prediction: PVU 70 University of Faith 3
JACKSONVILLE STATE VS. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
Saturday October 3 1:00 p.m. CST
Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium (24,000) Jacksonville, Ala.
TV: None
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: N/A
Valley’s march of death start of the season continues as they face the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State. Valley has had a tough go of it ranking last or next to last in almost every offensive category. They simply cannot move the ball either through the air or on the ground. Thomas Stokes and Booker Chambers are emerging as potential weapons in the future. But right now this team is just too young and can’t make plays. The defense isn’t all bad considering the play of the offense(5th in total defense). They play the run horribly which means teams don’t have to pass much. That plays directly into what JSU likes to do they want to and will run at will on Valley. Expect lots of big plays for their offense. The defense will contain anything that Valley will want to accomplish. Look for Troymain Pope and Eli Jenkins to both have big games. Last week was the first time Valley held an opponent under 50 points, that should change this week. This is a tough season for Valley, they don’t have an off week until November 14. Prediction: JSU 56 Valley 6
JACKSON STATE VS GRAMBLING STATE
Saturday October 3 6:00 p.m. CST
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (60,492) Jackson,
Miss.
TV: None
Series: Grambling State leads, 42-23-1
Last Meeting: September 20, 2014 – Jackson, Miss.
Grambling State 40, Jackson State 35
The battle of the I-20 Tigers, these teams appear to be heading in different directions. Grambling has found their offense and have won 2 straight. Jackson State got their first win last week, their defense is still a question mark. Both teams pass the ball really well, so expect to see footballs flying thru the air all night. The key in this one is who can run the ball, Grambling is 6th in rushing and Jackson is 9th. For Jackson to have any chance they have to commit and stay with the running game. If they get one dimensional they will lose for certain. Grambling put 70 points on PVU last week although they game up more than 50. The Ivy/Williams/Moll combo could be an issue for the G-Men. JSU’s defense is allowing 46 points a game. Look for the Williams(Johnathan and Chad) and Rogers trio to make plays. They are 7th and 8th respectively in total defense, so the team that allows the fewest big plays will win. This will be a high scoring game, that either team can afford to lose. Grambling has to keep pace in the West so a loss will knock them out of first but it won’t kill them. For JSU this could be their second SWAC loss and they can’t afford to take more losses with their coach on the hot seat. Prediction: GSU 49 JSU 38
ALCORN STATE VS. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF
Saturday October 3 4:00 p.m. CST
War Memorial Stadium (54,120) Little Rock, Ark.
TV: None
Series: Arkansas-Pine Bluff leads, 20-16-4
Last Meeting: November 15, 2014 – Lorman, Miss.
Alcorn State 56, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6
This is a business trip for Alcorn these are the kinds of games that can cause issues for contenders. This is not to say that UAPB will win the game but it’s a game that requires focus as the Braves head into their off week before facing Grambling on October 17. The SWAC has a way of producing strange results especially on the road. But the reality of this game is that Alcorn is the better team and they should get the job done. John Gibbs continues to lead the Braves as a dual threat, his legs are more deadly, but if you fall asleep he’ll hit you over the top for a big pass. The Braves love to run and have multiple threats to carry the ball. Their top receiving target is Jordan Payne. Against a Pine Bluff defense that ranks in the top half of the league this could be an interesting matchup. But the offense has to play too and that’s where the problems will come for the Golden Lions. With an offense that ranks 8th in almost every category UAPB will struggle to move the ball. Turnovers have been the issue for both teams although Alcorn has the fire power to overcome these issues. Alcorn’s secondary has to be eager to get their first interception on the season against an offense that has thrown 10 in 4 games. Braves should get through this game. Prediction: ASU 41 UAPB 17
COASTAL CAROLINA vs. ALABAMA A&M
Saturday October 3 5:00 p.m. CST
Brooks Stadium (9,214) Conway, S.C.
TV: None
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: N/A
After splitting their last two games the Bulldogs take a big step up in competition as they head to Conway to take on CCU. After having early questions the Bulldogs have found their answer at QB, De’Angelo Ballard is the back to back SWAC newcomer of the week. He’s fueled the Bulldogs Pistol attack. Harvey Harris and Bryan Brower are the two headed running back combo. Tevin McKenzie is the top receiving threat. The defense has been average, which is a huge issue facing a QB like Alex Ross. I feel like the Chanticleers will get whatever they want on offense. The defense will most likely be up to the Bulldogs’ challenge. Bulldogs should put up a fight but I don’t think they have enough to do damage. Prediction: CCU 45 AAMU 14
