NWSU vs GSU Preview

Grambling will host their first home game in 2009 when the Northwestern State Demons visit. Both schools will be looking for their first victories of the season, as the Demons lost their opening game 55-7 to Houston while the Tigers lost to South Carolina State 34-31.

Last week marked the most explosive Grambling offense that we’ve seen under offensive coordinator James Spady. The Tigers racked up 426 yards, scored 31 points but had four turnovers. QB Greg Dillon was 17 of 28 for 269 yards and had a pair of touchdowns. However, he was also responsible for three of the four turnovers. Frank Warren and Cornelius Walker ran well in-between the tackles and Dante Cheek was equally impressive catching the ball from his full back position. Dillon completed passes to eleven different receivers, which were led by Van Phillips’ three receptions for 48 yards.

Northwestern State’s defense on the other hand wasn’t as impressive in their week one performance. The Demons gave up over 500 yards in total offense and allowed 41 points in the first half. NWSU allowed 447 yards through the air and their secondary will have to be better if they are to have any chance at winning this game. In addition, the Demons front four failed to put any pressure on the opposing quarterback netting a total of three tackles for loss.

Failure is the most accurate word to describe NWSU offensive opening game performance. The Demons only had 263 total yards last week. John Hundley completed 22 of 34 passes and had the lone touchdown pass in their 48 point loss to Houston. William Griffin had 63 yards on ten carries and Darrius Duffy led the team with six receptions. While Hundley completed 22 passes, he only had 106 total yards as his receivers were unable to pick up a significant amount of yards after the catches.

While most fans will be concerned that South Carolina State scored 34 points last week, 14 of them came off of drives consisting of less than 20 yards. Grambling’s defense allowed nearly 200 yards on the ground and at times had a very difficult time getting any type of pressure from the interior of their front four. However, the most troubling facet within the defense was the amount of missed tackles last week, something that will have to get fixed as the season continues.

GSU lost to NWSU last season and despite what Broadway will say publicly, it’s something that has remained in the back of their minds for quite some time. Grambling’s front seven has to perform better than they did last week and the offense should build on their success from week one. Grambling’s offensive line must give Dillon time to throw, because the Demons defensive backs will have a tough time defending Grambling’s receivers down field. If this happens and the correct plays are called, Grambling should return to their winning ways. That’s IF the correct plays are called.

Prediction
Grambling 34
NWSU 27