Today's games in the SWAC

Huntsville Times

Today's games

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-2) at No. 7 Southern Illinois (3-0); McAndrew Stadium, Carbondale, Ill., 1:30 p.m.

The Golden Lions, who played in the SWAC Championship Game last season, have been the most disappointing team in the league. QB Chris Wallace, the preseason SWAC Player of the Year, did not play in Saturday's 12-10 loss to Alabama State and was pulled a week earlier against Alcorn State. RB Martell Mallett and Mickey Dean, considered the best tandem in the league, have combined for just 179 yards and one TD behind a rebuilt OL that has allowed 17 sacks. Defensively, UAPB has been terrific, allowing a SWAC-best 9.5 ppg.

SIU is averaging almost 46 points and 440 ypg. The Salukis whipped UAPB 48-16 a year ago.

Prediction: Southern Illinois 30, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10


Jackson State (1-2, 1-0 SWAC) at Mississippi Valley State (1-2, 1-2); Rice-Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, Miss., 4 p.m.

The Tigers got in the win column last week by beating Texas Southern. JSU QB Jimmy Oliver appears to have settled in after splitting time with Trae Rutland during the Tigers' first two games. Defensively, JSU has been dominating, allowing just 16.7 points and 202.7 ypg.

The Delta Devils have been outscored 68-20 since their 016-9 season-opening win over UAPB, including 50-7 in the second half. MVSU is averaging just 12 points and 199.7 ypg in total offense, while allowing 25.7 points and 407.3 ypg.

Prediction: Jackson State 24, Mississippi Valley 14


Tennessee State (2-1) at Southern (3-0); Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, La., 6 p.m.

Southern is 3-0 for the first time since 2003.

The Jaguars, led by Darren Coates, Brian Threat and Kendrick Smith, are averaging 199.3 yards per game on the ground and 391.7 yards in total offense.

Defensively, the Jaguars are allowing only 11.7 ppg and 265.7 ypg.

TSU has won two straight by a total of four points since being pounded 49-23 by Alabama A&M in its opener.

Tigers QB Antonio Heffner is averaging more than 200 yards passing. RB Javerris Williams has 317 yards rushing.

Prediction: Southern 28, Tennessee State 24

No. 23 Alabama A&M (3-0, 1-0) at Grambling (1-1, 1-0); Robinson Stadium, Grambling, La, 6 p.m.; tape-delay at 9 p.m. on ESPNU.

A&M is averaging 45 points and 519 yards per game and has been particularly dominant in the second half, having scored 35 points in the second half in wins over Tennessee State and Mississippi Valley State. QB Kelcy Luke has 10 TD passes after having 16 all of last season. RB Ulysses Banks has 342 yards rushing and 3 TDs.

GSU has had a week off since losing 34-10 at Pittsburgh. The Tigers, under new coach Rod Broadway, are averaging 20.5 ppg and 359 ypg. QB Brandon Landers has thrown for 458 yards and 5 TDs. Defensively, GSU is allowing 22 ppg and 288 ypg.

Prediction: Alabama A&M 28, Grambling 24


Alcorn State (0-3, 0-2) at Alabama State (3-0, 2-0); Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, 7 p.m.

Reggie Barlow has the Hornets off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2004. ASU, picked to finish last in the Eastern Division, has done it with a strong running game and a stout defense. RB Jay Peck leads the league in rushing with 349 yards and two TDs. The Hornets' defense is allowing only 13 ppg and 237 ypg.

This is Johnny Thomas' worst team at Alcorn State. The Braves are averaging a paltry 4.3 ppg, which is the lowest in the country, and 228.7 ypg. Injuries have hampered QBs Chris Walker and Tony Hobson, and the Braves' running game has been ineffective. ASU's lone bright spot has been WR/KR Nate Hughes, who leads the league in all-purpose yards, averaging 188.7 ypg.

Prediction: Alabama State 28, Alcorn State 3


Texas Southern (0-3) at UTEP (1-2); Sun Bowl, El Paso Texas, 7:05 p.m..

The Tigers have been abysmal under coach Steve Wilson, who is 4-32 in his fourth season. TSU has struggled offensively, averaging just 10.3 ppg, while allowing 27.7 ppg.

UTEP, led by former Alabama coach Mike Price, is coming off of a 29-24 loss to New Mexico State. The Miners are averaging 21.7 ppg and 323.7 ypg, while giving up 26.7 ppg and 497 ypg.

Prediction: UTEP 31, Texas Southern 7


Last week: 5-0

Season: 12-6

Reggie Benson