Week Four Preview: All-SWAC Everything

*The SWAC’s weekend got underway early, as Jackson State handled Texas Southern 35-7 on ESPNU on Thursday.

A week after giving up 62 points, Prairie View will try for better results against Alabama A&M. (Advocate photo)

Alabama A&M at Prairie View

Both teams enter Saturday’s contest with just one-win against bottom-level opponents. Alabama A&M’s offense struggled mightily in it’s 32-0 loss to South Carolina State last week. Meanwhile, Prairie View’s offense nearly outgunned Southern in a 62-59 shootout in Baton Rouge.

It’ll be interesting to watch the Alabama A&M offense against the Prairie View defense. Both units have struggled since Week One, but I’d look for the Panther defense to win that battle. I just don’t see Alabama A&M being able to stop Prairie View’s offense. They might drop 40 on the Bulldogs.

Prediction: Prairie View

Defending SWAC champs UAPB will look for its first win of the season against Alcorn State. (PB Commercial photo)

Alcorn State at Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Like Bethune-Cookman, Arkansas-Pine Bluff came into the 2013 season hoping to repeat as champions. Since the season started, however, UAPB has been the polar opposite of BCU. The defending SWAC champs not only lost their first two games, they were outscored 120-25.

Now, fresh off a heartbreaking 40-39 loss to Alabama State, UAPB is as close as you can get to desperation mode in Week Four. They will face an improving Alcorn State team that turned a 21-7 deficit into a 35-14 win last week. If the Lions drop this one, things could get rough in the Bluff.

Prediction: UAPB

Mississippi Valley allowed a 14 point lead to slip away against Alcorn State last week. (Nanchez Democrat photo)

Southern at Mississippi Valley

Talk about a contrast of emotions after last week. Mississippi Valley State managed to find a way to turn a 14 point lead into a seven point loss last week against Alcorn State. Meanwhile Southern pulled out a 62-59 win in a thriller at home against Prairie View.

Southern shouldn’t have that much trouble against Valley, provided its defense shows up for the task.

Prediction: Southern

Grambling State at Alabama State 

Grambling wins if…Alabama State forgets they have a game to play.