SWAC BLOGGER PICKS:WEEK 9

Robert Harris Jr.
HBCU GAMEDAY BLOGGER

This matchup is a tough to decide because both teams are still in the running to make an appearance to the SWAC Championship in December in Houston, Texas. JacksonState is coming off a victory over Texas Southern only allowing 201 total yards. Prairie View lost a non-conference matchup against the Rice Owls 65-44, which in some eyes was a good showing for the Panthers. The key thing to look for in this matchup is how JSU will defend PVAMU quarterback Jalen Morton because the Tigers love to blitz with having a total of five sacks last week against TxSO.

PREDICTION: Jackson State26, Prairie View 17  

This game is the Game of the Week for two reasons: Both teams are still in the running to win their divisions, Southern running back Lenard Tillery needs 113 yards to become the SWAC all-time rushing leader. SU dominated UAPB 49-17 last week as Jaguars quarterback Austin Howard was 22-for-28 passing, throwing for 292 yards with three touchdowns. Alcorn’s offense & defense have gotten a lot better this season, but they do have their work cut it for them especially if quarterback LeNorris Footman does not play. The key to this matchup will be Howard against the ninth ranked pass defense of the Braves allowing 263 yards per game.

PREDICTION: Southern 56, Alcorn State38

TexasSouthern is coming off a tough Homecoming loss last week against Jackson State 21-13. The Tigers had a tough time moving the ball only tallying up 201 total yards for the whole game. Sam Houston State is undefeated so far this season after Nicholls State 38-21 last week. Quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe threw for 419 yards with three touchdowns. This is a non-conference matchup and for TexasSouthern you pray that anyone does not get injured, and if the game gets out of hand put your reserves in the game.

PREDICTION: Sam Houston 60, Texas Southern 13

Grambling dominated Mississippi Valley Statelast week 59-10 for the Delta Devils Homecoming game. DeVante Kincade continues to have a stellar season he threw for 326 yards with four touchdowns and had help from his running Martez “Mr.Excitment” Carter who rushed for 91 yards with a touchdown. Arkansas Pine-Bluff lost to Southern last week 49-17, as the Golden Lions had a tough time stopping the passing game. In this matchup look for Kincade to torture UAPB defense who allows the most yards as a total defense this season (453). This game is Grambling’s Homecoming, and this will be no contest at all.

PREDICTION: Grambling 58, Arkansas Pine-Bluff 21

The Magic City Classic is finally here!! In this game the records do not matter. It’s all about the bragging rights! This game will be played in a neutral site in Birmingham, Alabamaat Legion Field. The key to this matchup will be will the running game from both teams because they’re ranked first and second in rushing this season. Alabama State Khalid Thomas is second in rushing with 680 yards with six touchdowns, AlabamaA&M Jordan Bentley has 576 on the ground with seven touchdowns! The question is which running back will show up in this matchup??

PREDICTION: AlabamaA&M 35, AlabamaState 30