GSU vs. JSU Preview

Grambling travels east on I-20 to face Jackson State for the fifth time since 2007. GSU defeated Northwestern State 38-17 last week, while Jackson State was defeated by Tennessee State 14-7.

Last week Grambling’s offense was pitiful. Many will say that the weather played a major factor in the four turnovers that were given away by this group. However, eight turnovers in two weeks is unacceptable. Frank Warren was amongst the few bright spots in their victory over NWSU. Warren had 156 yards on 12 carries and ripped off a 80-yard gain in the final quarter to seal the victory. Rodale Pippen led the team with six receptions and had a pair of highlight worthy catches while Jesse Smith Jr. was “Mr. Reliable” with five receptions. Greg Dillon has the potential to be one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the SWAC. However, in the opening two weeks of the season, his play indicates that he is pressing. If a third consecutive three turnover performances occurs this weak, Broadway and his staff might want to think about playing Danny Reyes. An average of three turnovers each game by your starting quarterback is as they say in Spanish, “No Bueno”. If it continues, GSU fans can forget about a championship, regardless of how weak the SWAC is as a conference.

Jackson State run defense has been non-existent in the opening two games of the season. They have given up more than 200 yards on the ground in both games. In their seven point loss last week, JSU gave up 217 yards on the ground, which also forced them to loose the time of possession battle. A stat that normally is critical in a low scoring game. Marcus Jamison and Terrance Oniuke led the team with eight tackles respectfully.

Jackson State offense hasn’t really been much better. While they racked up 317 total yards last week, nearly 40% of their total yards came on four plays. JSU will start a freshman this week at quarterback in Dedric McDonald. McDonald was 11 of 24 for 163 yards with both a touchdown and a interception. He will have a pair of dangerous receivers in Keenan Tillman and Anthony Mayes. Tillman had the lone touchdown against TSU while Mayes had five receptions for 105 yards.

Grambling’s defense nearly scored more points than both GSU and JSU offense’s combined last week. Christian Anthony played like a grown man as he was directly responsible for 14 points by himself. Anthony had eight tackles, two interceptions a sack and a body slam. While he has received the most attention, TJ McCord was equally impressive, McCord had 15 tackles and a forced a fumble. However, even with the defense racking up all these points, lets not forget how bad they were against the run. NWSU ran the ball down their throat, racking up nearly 200 yards on the ground as Grambling continues to struggle to sustain any type of gap control. Which will be key as the season continues.

Grambling should have an easy time against Jackson State this week, as JSU isn’t a team on the rise, and Grambling is still searching for respect. Look for Dillon to take what the defense gives him and Warren and Cornelius Walker to have outstanding games.

Prediction

Grambling 33
Jackson 10