State Fair Classic

The Grambling State Tigers travel to Dallas, TX this weekend to square off against the Prairie View A&M Panthers in the State Fair Classic. Prairie View enters into the game with a record of (2-1, 1-1) with victories over Edward Waters and Southern University. Prairie View hasn’t beaten Grambling since 1985, and has lost 34 of the last 35 games to the Tigers. However, Grambling enters into this game winless after two losses by a total of four points, and suffered a 20-point defeat to the University of Houston. Grambling has never started the season off with four consecutive losses, and will be looking at this game as the beginning of a new season.

When Prairie View has the ball:
Prairie View enters the game third in total offense in the SWAC averaging 314 yards per game. The Panthers have the number one rated rushing attack in the conference at 222 yards a game, which is led by Arnell Fontenot’s 4.2 yards per carry. Fontenot and Kerry Wilson both gained 70 yards in their victory over Southern University. Wilson looks to get more carries as he had a breakout game in the victory, racking up 76 yards on nine carries. Grambling in the first three games of the season has struggled against the run. The Tigers are ranked 9th in the conference against the run allowing 191 yards a game. However, Grambling has had the toughest first three games of the season of any team in the SWAC thus far.
Advantage Grambling

When Grambling has the ball:
Prairie View statistically is the best defensive team in the SWAC, only giving up 197 yards a game. Grambling enters the game ranked second in the SWAC in total offense at 324 yards a game. Grambling’s receivers pose some serious mismatches against Prairie View’s secondary. Clyde Edwards, Henry Tolbert, Tim Abney and Lakeldrick Bridges all have double figure receptions and average over 10 yards a catch. However, one question that remains is who will get these receivers the ball? After an 18 for 23, 248 yard 2-touchdown performance by Larry Kerlegan against the University of Houston, there may be a quarterback controversy at Grambling. Kerlegan’s ability to throw on the run, make defenders miss and also throw the ball down the field makes this Grambling offense even more dangerous. Brandon Landers in three games this season has thrown for 544 yards, six touchdown and two interceptions. Either quarterback can expect to pad their stats in this game, as Prairie View hasn’t faced an offense like Grambling all year.
Advantage Grambling









Prairie View’s victory over Southern shocked many in the conference two weeks ago, but their performance in three quarters in last weeks suspended game against NAIA Langston brought fans back down to earth. Grambling needs to score early and often to establish physically, but more importantly mentally, that they are the better team in this match up. If Grambling allows the Panthers to stay close for three quarters, that could be extremely dangerous for Grambling. However, Grambling is far too talented to allow this game to be closer then what it should be. Look for Grambling to rack up a lot of yards in the air and on the ground.

Prediction:
Grambling 45
Prairie View 24