2007 State Fair Classic

The Grambling Tigers travel to Dallas, TX this weekend to face the Prairie View A&M Panthers in the State Fair Classic. Grambling defeated Alabama A&M 31-6 last weekend, while Prairie View was idle.

When GSU has the ball:
Brandon Landers passed for two touchdowns and 235 yards in last week’s victory over Alabama A&M. Landers executed the game plan nearly to perfection, he didn’t force throws, he took what the defense gave him and as a result, Grambling was victorious. Reginal Jackson continues to be effective, Jackson had nine receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown reception, and he also scored on a 26 yard trick play. Frank Warren continues to provide stability in the Grambling backfield as he is averaging 4 yards a carry, however, he yet to really show home run capabilities. Warren and the rest of the backfield may get that opportunity this week.

Prairie View ranks 9th in total defense. The Panthers defense hasn’t been very consistent this season. In their week 1 victory, Prairie View allowed 463 total yards against Texas Southern. In their week 2 victory against North Carolina A&T, the Panthers allowed 205 yards on the ground. However, in their defeat against Southern, PV held the SWAC’s 2nd rated offense to 223 total yards. This week the Panthers will attempt to hold Grambling under 50 points for the first time since 2002. Grambling has scored a total of 221 points in the past four games between these two.

Advantage: Grambling

When PVAMU has the ball:
Prairie View has only scored four offensive touchdowns in three games; all of them have come via the running game. Chris Gibson is a dual threat quarterback; Gibson leads the Panthers in total offense thus far. Gibson is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, and scored on a 51 yard touchdown run against Texas Southern in the Labor Day Classic. If the Panthers want to avoid loosing to Grambling for the 22nd consecutive game, they must keep Grambling’s offense off the field. The Panthers could benefit from running misdirection plays, and a few tricks plays to keep the Tigers defense on their heels.

Grambling held Alabama A&M to 147 total yards last week. Grambling’s defense continues to play fast, hard and disciplined. Zaire Wilborn had nine tackles while John Scroggins had two sacks. The key this week against the Panthers will rest on the shoulders of tackles Jason Banks and Melvin Matthews. Prairie View’s offense is predicated on its running game. If Banks and Matthews continue to clog the lanes, it will be extremely difficult for PV to score.


Advantage: Grambling

Grambling enters the contest winning 35 out of the last 36 games against Prairie View.
Grambling must avoid a possible letdown. The true mark of a champion is their ability to perform week in and week out at a high level. Grambling has the ingredients and Broadway definitely has the recipe for a championship in 2007.

Prediction
Grambling 52
Prairie View 0