QB play keeping Alcorn down

By Kareem Copeland, Clarion Ledger

Photo: Alcorn has gotten some big plays from the likes of Oliver Bozeman, intercepting a pass against UAB, but its D has been left on the field too much.

The quarterback position continues to cause sleepless nights for Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas.

The Braves (0-5, 0-4 SWAC) rank last in the league in scoring offense (9.0 ppg) and first downs (13.2 per game) and No. 9 in third-down percentage (23.9).

"We're still having personnel letdowns," Thomas said. "Every time we get something going offensively, we fumble the ball, throw an interception, drop the ball, overthrow the receiver.

"We cannot keep our defense on the field and expect (it to play well)."

Senior Chris Walker has been battling a high ankle sprain, opening the door for junior Tony Hobson.

However, Hobson has been less than spectacular, completing 2 of 8 passes for 23 yards with two interceptions in a 17-7 loss to Prairie View A&M last week.

Walker did play, connecting on 9 of 19 attempts for 117 yards.

"We started Tony and he has not come out and performed like we thought," Thomas said. "Chris is a tenacious young man. I've never seen a guy who's been able to bounce back (from injuries like he has).

"We're hoping he'll be ready to go against Texas Southern."

The Tigers (0-5, 0-4) host the Braves at Alex Durley Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday.

MORE QB ISSUES

Mississippi Valley State may rotate quarterbacks during Saturday's home game against North Dakota State.

Sophomore Paul Roberts is likely out with a mild concussion, leaving junior Semaj Williams and sophomore Ryan Barciaga to split duties.

Williams has completed 13 of 29 passes for 101 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns in three games this season.

Barciaga is 0-for-2 with an interception in two appearances.

BAD CALLS?

Prairie View A&M has put together a tape detailing questionable calls against the Panthers for the SWAC office.

Coach Henry Frazier insists that the officiating has been consistently lopsided against his team throughout the season.

"It's one of two things: They're either cheating or incompetent," Frazier said. "I know I'm going to get in trouble. It's frustrating because it's on film.

"That loses you ballgames. That's the kind of thing that loses people their jobs."

Prairie View is tied with Jackson State for the most penalties in league with 53. Its 499 penalty yards are second behind JSU's 578.

"We've gotten flagged 64 times," Frazier said. "Referees have to get coached up, too."

TAKE-A-KID

Children between the ages of 5-12 will be admitted free with a ticket-bearing adult to Valley's game Saturday against North Dakota State. Kickoff in Itta Bena is 2 p.m.

Take-A-Kid-To-The-Game Day pregame tickets are available for $15 at the MVSU cashiers window and remote locations. Game day tickets will be available for $18.

Contact the MVSU department of athletics for more information at (662) 254-3011.

LAST WEEK'S STANDOUTS


Corey Clark (JSU) - six tackles, three sacks


Ben Boyd (Prairie View) - six carries, 124 yards, one touchdown


Zach East (Prairie View) - 11 tackles


Sam Irons (MVSU) - 11 tackles, pass breakup


Zach Gilarski (MVSU) - eight punts, 37.8 average


Ronald Brewer (MVSU) - 14 carries, 50 yards; four receptions, 28 yards


Tim Manuel (Grambling) - two field goals; four PATs; five punts, 40.4 average