Today's SWAC football games

Photo: AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band

Huntsville Times

Today's games

Prairie View (3-2, 2-2 SWAC) at Alabama State (4-2, 3-2 SWAC); Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, 1 p.m.

The Panthers need three wins in their last five games to post their first winning season in decades. Prairie View's two losses have been at Southern (12-2) and against Grambling (17-14) at Dallas. The Panthers are among the best defensive teams in the league and have been among the top rushing teams.

Alabama State has dropped its last two games since opening the season with four straight wins. QB Chris Mitchell and Alex Engram have struggled the last two weeks. Combined, they have completed just 13-of-51 passes for 176 yards, three TD and three INT. Last week, ASU's defense allowed 285 yards rushing in a loss at Jackson State.

Prediction: Alabama State 17, Prairie View 14

Alcorn State (0-5, 0-4 SWAC) at Texas Southern (0-5, 0-4 SWAC); Durley Field, Houston, Texas, 2 p.m.

The Braves or Tigers will get their first win of the season today. Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas has been able to get his team off the deck in recent years, but it doesn't appear that will happen this season. Thomas, who has managed to hang on, might not be able to keep his job if he doesn't get the Braves turned around.

The same can be said of Texas Southern coach Steve Wilson. The Tigers are 4-34 in Wilson's four seasons.

Prediction: Texas Southern 17, Alcorn State 14

No. 3 North Dakota State (5-0) at Mississippi Valley State (1-4); Rice-Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, Miss., 2 p.m.

The Delta Devils, who have been outscored 70-3 in their last six quarters, have allowed 135 points the last three games. WR/return specialist Clarence Cotton has two fractured vetebrae and has not played in the last two games. MVSU coach Willie Totten said Cotton's season is likely over and the team will apply for a medical redshirt. QB Paul Roberts has a concussion and likely won't play, while QB Semaj Williams, who started in place of Roberts against Grambling, has bruised rubs.

North Dakota State crushed MVSU 45-0 last season in Fargo, N.D.

Prediction: North Dakota State 52, Mississippi Valley State 10

Grambling (4-1, 4-0 SWAC) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-4, 1-2 SWAC); Golden Lions Stadium, Pine Bluff, Ark., 4 p.m.

The Tigers have been the most dominant team in league play. Grambling, which has allowed just two offensive TDs in SWAC play, disposed of Alcorn State, Alabama A&M, Prairie View and Mississippi Valley State by a combined score of 119-30. QB Brandon Landers has been very efficient, along with freshman RB Frank Warren and Cornelius Walker. WR Clyde Edwards and Reginald Jackson are ranked among the league's best.

The Golden Lions, who started 1-3 last season before running off seven straight wins to claim the West Division title and reach the championship game, are 1-4. Duplicating last year's run won't be easy. QB Chris Wallace, the preseason Offensie Player of the Year, was benched weeks ago and running backs Martell Mallet and Mickey Dean have been ineffective behind a revamped offensive line.

Prediction: Grambling 31, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10

Jackson State (3-2, 3-0 SWAC) at Southern (5-1, 3-1 SWAC); A.W. Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, La., 6 p.m.

Tigers coach Rick Comegy upset many folks earlier this week with comments about how hostile the environment was at Southern even though he has never coached a game there. JSU has won three straight games since dropping its first two but has arguably the most difficult schedule in the East Division. After today's game, the Tigers host Grambling and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, visit Alabama A&M and Prairie View and host Alcorn State.

Southern suffered its first setback last week with a home loss to Alabama A&M. The Jaguars, trying to keep up with Grambling, are in a must-win situation. Southern's defense, which had been dominant until last week, needs to return to form against Jackson State, which has hit its stride over the last three weeks.

Prediction: Southern 24, Jackson State 20

Last week: 3-1

Season total: 24-8

Reggie Benson

Photo: Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-mite Marching Band.