Week 1 in the SWAC

August 31, 2006-September 2, 2006

by

a living legend

Welcome I'll be your host and representative of one of the most historical and legendary conferences in America; a conference that helped change the landscape of collegiate and professional football to what it is today; a conference where Standards of Excellence are measure by and are hoped to achieve every year in the Buck Buchanan and Walter Payton awards; a conference that has produced the first three African American QB'S to star on the NFL's biggest stage; the first African American to not only win on that stage but do it convincingly - overcoming tremendous odds and going on to capture its MVP.

This conference is The South Western Athletic Conference. Affectionately call the SWAC and just in case you've been hiding under a rock the last decade or so.  My name is bluedog. So without further ado, here we go.

Alcorn State at Louisiana-Monroe (Thurs., Aug 31)
Actually I looked for this game to be closer then most people would think, with Alcorn having a legitimate shot at an upset. But with the loss of Dr.Clinton Bristow, Jr.,  a very close friend of coach Johnny Thomas and the departure of Athletic Director Robert Raines, the internal disruption and emotional strain will be too much to overcome.

Still, look for the Braves to make an account for themselves. ULM by 17

Players to Watch
Alcorn: WR Charlie Spiller,LB Antonio Cooper
ULM: DB Kevin Payne,RB Calvin Dawson


Grambling State vs Hampton 2006 Ford MEAC/SWAC Challenge
This is a game that gives me a heavy heart. Originally I had picked Grambling to win in a fairly routine effort and keeping with tradition whereas when a MEAC best meets a SWAC best -usually the SWAC wins.

Unfortunately for Grambling and HBCU fans, Brandon Landers' (GSU QB) younger brother was murdered and his cousin is in critical condition after being shot last weekend after a high school football game.

It's been reported that Brandon will start for Saturday's game but the emotional toll leaves many questions to be answered.

Look for Grambling to pull out an emotional win. GSU by 10

Players to watch
GSU: QB Brandon Landers,WR Henry Tolbert,LB Dimitri Carr
HU: LB Justin Durant,RB Alonzo Coleman

TV: ESPN2 Time: 11am


Alabama A&M vs Tennessee State 2006 John Merritt Classic
I n one of the most popular rivalries in collegiate football, look for this one to be entertaining.
The bulldogs have marked their territory as of late and look for more of the same.

AAMU by 13

Players to watch
TNST: RB Javarris Williams, DB Aaron Strong  
AAMU: LB Johnny Baldwin,QB Kelcy Luke


Alabama State vs Troy
It is what it is. These two teams have a long history with Troy getting the best of ASU 12-2 with most games being very competitive.

Look for more of the same. Troy wins in a rout.

Troy by 28

Players to watch
ASU: WR Lorenzo Hoffman,LB Chris Dupuy
TROY: WR Smokey Hampton,DB Sherrod Martin


Mississippi Valley State vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Chicago Football Classic
Historically a well-attended game with the Chi-Town residents showing the love and their roots.

Look for Valley to win in a hard fought game feeling right at home in the windy city.

Delta Devils by 10

Players to watch
MVSU: QB Aries Nelson, LB Tyler Knight
UAPB: RB Mickey Dean,LB Justin Bass


Jackson State vs Paul Quinn
Another one that is what it is- a "Mockery".  New head coach Rick Comegy knows the Jackson faithful have been in the wilderness wayyy too long and is looking to rebuild the team from the inside-out starting with its confidence.

Look for the JSU faithful to sing hail, hail, the witch is dead.  JSU in a blowout.

JSU by 30

Players to watch
JSU: RB David Kennebrew,DB Vincent Dancy
PQ:???????


Southern vs Bethune-Cookman 53rd Gateway Classic
Make no mistake, this is the game of the week in BCF. After twelve years on the bluff, the Dean of the SWAC faced his first losing season and he knows all to well the cliché, "It's tough on the bluff". Translation "you better not have another one.

Look for the Dean of the SWAC to get the wolves off his front porch for a moment by beating his old nemesis once again and giving the Jaguar Nation hope of another title.

Jags by 17

Players to watch
SU: QB JC Lewis, WR Albert Turner,WR Gerard LANDRY
BCC: LB Taurean Charles, QB Jimmie Russell

Prairie View A&M vs Texas Southern Labor Day Classic
Interstate rivals do battle to see who's the bigcat in the Lone Star state. Look for PVU to make a statement and show the world that TSU is the new doormat of the SWAC.

PVU by 13

Players to watch
PVU: RB Arnell Fontenot,DB Hakeem Muhammad
TSU: RB Brent Wilson, LB Robert Napier