Saturday, September 15, 2007

SWAC previews - Today's Games 9/15/2007

Huntsville Times

Prairie View (2-0, 1-0 SWAC) at Southern (2-0, 1-0); Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, La., 6 p.m.

The Panthers are seeking to start 3-0 for the first time since 1964 when they won the SWAC and were crowned national black college champions. Prairie View started 2-0 last season before losing seven straight. The Panthers downed the Jaguars 26-23 last season for the first time since 1971. Despite giving up more than 380 yards per game, Prairie View has allowed only 21 points in two games.

Coach Pete Richardson's team has found a running game - the Jaguars are averaging a league-high 265.5 yards rushing - to go along with its solid passing game, engineered by new starting quarterback Bryant Lee, who is averaging 210 yards per game.

Prediction: Southern 28, Prairie View 14

Alabama State (2-0, 1-0) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-1, 1-0); Golden Lion Stadium, Pine Bluff, Ark., 6 p.m.

The Hornets could be a team to be reckoned with if they can knock off the Golden Lions. Alabama State came from behind to beat Jacksonville State in its season opener and scored two late touchdowns last week to beat Texas Southern on the road. RBs Jay Peck and Rahmod Traylor have combined to average almost 200 yards per game and QB Chris Mitchell has given the Hornets a solid passing game, averaging 155 yards through the air.

UAPB, the defending West Division champ, has struggled. The Golden Lions are averaging just 15 points per game. QB Jonathan Moore will replace Chris Wallace in the starting lineup this week. Wallace, the preseason SWAC Player of the Year, has thrown for just 221 yards in two games. RB Martell Mallett, who led the league in rushing a year ago, has just 93 yards in two games. UAPB's offensive line, which includes four new starters, has allowed 14 sacks.

Prediction: Alabama State 17, UAPB 10

Alcorn State (0-2) at UAB (0-2); Legion Field, Birmingham, 6 p.m.

Alcorn State's three QBs - Chris Walker, Tony Hobson and Tim Buckley - have all struggled. The Braves are averaging 6.5 points per game and have allowed 27.5.

UAB will give Neil Callaway his first win as a head coach.

Alcorn State is slated to make $150,000 to $200,000.

Prediction: UAB 42, Alcorn State 7


Mississippi Valley State (1-1, 1-1) at Alabama A&M (2-0, 0-0); Louis Crews Stadium, Huntsville, 6:30 p.m.

Alabama A&M is off to a 2-0 start because of its high-flying offense. The Bulldogs are averaging 45 points and 529 yards in total offense. The defense has bent, but not broken.

MVSU has struggled offensively, averaging just 11 points and 172.5 yards per game. The Delta Devils' defense will likely keep them in the game, but the Bulldogs' offense has too many weapons.

Prediction: Alabama A&M 28, Mississippi Valley State 10

Last week's predictions: 6-0

Season: 7-6

Reggie Benson

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