SWAC Showdown

The Grambling State Tigers travel to Jackson, MS to square off against the Jackson State Tigers on Saturday. Grambling defeated Arkansas Pine-Bluff 30-24, while Jackson beat Southern 32-26.

When GSU has the ball:
Six games into the season the GSU offense has yet to show any form of explosiveness, despite having the weapons to do so. In last weeks six point victory over Pine-Bluff, Brandon Landers threw more interceptions (2), than touchdowns (1). Frank Warren wrapped up his second consecutive conference newcomer of the week award, after he rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Reginal Jackson also had nine receptions for 90 yards.

In Jackson State’s victory over Southern the Tigers allowed 360 total yards, 337 came via the passing game. Statistically, Jackson State has the top defense in the SWAC; however, three of the four SWAC teams that they have faced aren’t averaging over 300 yards a game, so that stat may be a little deceiving. Jackson State is led by Linebacker Marcellus Speaks who has 46 tackles on the season.

Although Grambling has transformed into one of the most boring offenses in the SWAC, its’ been extremely effective. This week’s opponent surrendered 337 yards through the air against a team who receivers aren’t nearly as talented as Grambling’s. If Brandon Landers gets the opportunity to throw the ball 10-15 yards down the field, it might allow fans to pay attention to the game longer than 15 minutes. In all honesty, this match up hinges on what type of Brandon Landers shows up. If the Brandon Landers who competed 68% of his passes against Alabama A&M shows up, Grambling’s offense will win. If the 19 of 40 for 155 yards and three interceptions Landers shows up, in the words of Dollar Bill in the movie The Players Club, “It’s going to be trouble, trouble, trouble.”

Advantage: Push


When JSU has the ball:

In last weeks victory over Southern, Jimmy Oliver was as consistent as Brittany Spears is responsible with her children. Oliver threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns, but he also had three interceptions. Erik Haw rushed for 135 yards and Christopher Johnson had 160 yards on five receptions. That game also marked the third consecutive game that Jackson State gained over 400 yards in total offense.

Grambling’s weakness on defense was finally exposed last week. The Tigers secondary was lit up for 369 yards through the air. Pine Bluff-had two receivers over 100 yards and another had 81 yards. UAPB may have laid the blue print on how to beat GSU last weekend and Grambling’s secondary can expect even more work this week.

Advantage: Jackson State

For the first time this season Grambling will be facing a conference foe that will have revenge on their minds, which actually has the talent to beat Grambling. Grambling needs to score early and often, because their offense isn’t built to come from behind. For Grambling to win this game, they absolutely must put pressure on the quarterback. Grambling can’t give up 369 yards in the air this week and expect to still win. If Oliver gets time to throw, he will pick Grambling secondary apart. Grambling must get the ball into their playmakers’ hands, and Landers has to be efficient for the Tiger to win. Which they will, it just will be a little closer than many would expect.

Prediction:
Grambling 27
Jackson 24