State Fair Classic: Grambling State (2-1, 2-0) at Prairie View (2-1, 1-1)

By BOBBI ROQUEMORE, The Dallas Morning News

Grambling State (2-1, 2-0) at Prairie View (2-1, 1-1)

6 p.m. today, Cotton Bowl

No line

Grambling owns rivalry
The Grambling State Tigers won their 19th consecutive game over the Prairie View A&M Panthers, 53-7, at the 2006 State Fair Classic. Grambling has scored 50 or more points in each of the last four meetings and leads the all-time series, 44-13.

Prairie View, however, is an improving team finally capable of freeing itself from Grambling's grip. Prairie View has allowed just 33 points this season. LB Zach East has been a beast on defense with a team-high 34 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

QB Chris Gibson is the leading rusher with 182 yards on 6.1 yards per carry. DB Val Ford is an alert special teams player who, after recovering two blocked punts, turned them into touchdowns in Prairie View's 22-7 victory over North Carolina A&T on Sept. 8.

Grambling, meanwhile, is coming off a 31-6 win against defending SWAC champion Alabama A&M on Sept. 22. QB Brandon Landers completed 22 of 32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdown passes. WR Clyde Edwards has four touchdown receptions in three games. Muhammad Karim (Lincoln) starts at RG and John Scroggins (Wilmer-Hutchins) starts at DE.

Grambling State wins if ...
QB Brandon Landers can stymie Prairie View's defense early. Grambling has scored an average of 14.7 points in the first half this season. Prairie View will have trouble keeping up in a high-scoring game.

Prairie View wins if ...
Every unit – offense, defense and special teams – contributes with at least one big play to force Grambling to take notice. The combination of pride and power can carry a team a long way.