The Grambling State Tigers will host their first home game of the 2006 season on Saturday against Jackson State University. Jackson defeated Southern University last weekend in overtime 31-28, while Grambling lost to Arkansas Pine Bluff 33-28.

When Jackson has the ball:
Jackson enters Saturdays contest undefeated in conference play and the Tigers are off to a hot start on the heels of a respectable offensive attack. Jackson ranks third in the conference in scoring at 27 ppg. Jimmy Oliver is a dual threat quarterback who was rated as one of the top junior college quarterbacks in the nation last season. Oliver is third in total offense in the SWAC at 196 yards a game, and has rushed for 313 yards. However, he also has thrown eight interceptions on the season. His favorite target, Jaymar Johnson had 7 receptions for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns in the victory over Southern. Erik Haw, who transferred to Jackson St from Ohio State University, has five touchdowns in four conference games. Haw is Jackson’s leading rusher on the season at 320 yards and leads the conference in scoring. Jackson States offensive line has had an impressive showing so far this season, only giving up a total of 4 sacks on the season. The so-called defense of Grambling State University continues to struggle. Grambling has the worst rushing defense in the conference, giving up 210 yards a game. In last weeks 33-28 defeat to UAPB, Grambling gave up 246 yards on the ground. Pine Bluff alone had two 100-yard backs in the game. Throughout the season Grambling’s front four hasn’t been able to win the battle in the trenches. The match up between Grambling’s front seven and Jackson’s offensive line will dictate the outcome of this game. If Grambling is able to stuff the run, and put pressure on Oliver, Grambling could be looking at a victory on Saturday.
Advantage: Jackson St

When Grambling has the ball:
Brandon Landers has been an adequate quarterback for Grambling this season. Landers threw for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in last weekends defeat. Landers, ranks first in passing yards and total offense in the conference and is fourth in passing efficiency. Clyde Edwards and Ab Kuuan’s performance last week was admirable. Edwards led Grambling with 10 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Edwards also leads the conference in receptions and receiving yards a game. Kuuan racked up 122 total yards and a touchdown run. Grambling has the number one rated offense in the conference. Grambling averages 34 ppg. The Tigers offensive line has only given up 7 sacks in conference play this season. Jackson State has the second best defense in the conference. Jackson St allows 17ppg and a total of 249 yards a game. Jackson has 10 sacks on the season and gives up the least amount of first downs in the SWAC. Daniel Brooks has made an immediate impact since transferring from the University of Tennessee. Brooks leads the team in tackles and had 8 tackles in the victory over Southern. Carlton Brown leads the conference in interceptions with four. Will Carlton Brown be enough to stay with Grambling’s receiving core? I don’t think so.

Advantage: Grambling


Grambling leads the all-time series 33-20-1. Last year Grambling defeated Jackson 52-21 and Jackson will have revenge on their mind. Jackson also gave up 20 points to NAIA Paul Quinn earlier this season. Grambling first home game of the season should give them the spark that they so desperately need.

Prediction
Jackson 27
Grambling 28