WEEK 4 in the SWAC
09-23-06

Predictions by Tigerpride: THE Logical One

Last week THE Logical One only got one of the tough games right by predicting that Mississippi Valley would upset AAMU. However, I would have never expected PV to beat Southern nor would I have predicted that Alabama State would beat UAPB. Jackson State gave Tennessee State all they could handle before falling in OT and Texas Southern did what they were expected to do….LOSE.

Grambling….after a 0-3 start, I am sure that they are happy to play OPEN.

Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State @ Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (4 PM): The rain is coming so that is favorable for the JSU ground game. Last week, MS Valley State upset the prognosticated Eastern Divisional Champion, AAMU. This week, they face a team that they have not beat since 1994. MS Valley State gets scared when they see JACKSON STATE on the chest of the blue jerseys. It is logical to assume that this one was decided when they printed the schedule. Aside from that, Jackson State is simply traditionally more talented and in 2006 they are much better coached than Mississippi Valley.

Prediction: Jackson State 31; MS Valley 21

Southern Illinois vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Golden Lion Stadium, Pine Bluff, AR (6 PM): Southern Illinois beat 1-A Indiana last week. UAPB lost to worst team in the SWAC….got blown out by them at that. It is not logical to even discuss this match-up any further.

Prediction: SUI …as many points as they want; UAPB 0

Prairie View A&M vs. Langston @ Blackshear Stadium in Prairie View, TX (6 PM): Prairie View is coming off of their proudest win since the late 80’s. Even beating JSU last year and beating Alcorn in 1999 pale in comparison to their win over Southern University on Saturday because Southern is a highly regarded opponent with SWAC Championship aspirations. Prairie View gets to play the Head Coach that got them their first win after suffering more than 80 straight losses. However, there is no logical way to believe that PV will want to prove that their fluke win over Southern was not really a fluke.

Prediction: Prairie View 35; Langston 10

Alabama A&M vs. Texas Southern in Houston, TX (7 PM): AAMU was shocked by MS Valley by most everyone except THE Logical One. While Texas Southern is not an offensive Goliath, they certainly have a better defense than MS Valley State. I predict that AAMU will fall once again. Therefore, it is logical to highlight them as my upset of the week…AGAIN. Let’s not forget that AAMU was Texas Southern’s lone win in 2005. A strong defense coupled with a solid running game spells doom for AAMU.

Prediction: AAMU 10; Texas Southern 14

Southern vs. North Carolina Central @ Mumford Stadium in Bation Rouge, LA (7 PM): Southern is about to have a fight on their hands. However, SU will have the depth to take out one of the top D2 HBCU’s in the country. The Jaguar Nation will also be a factor. NCCU has never played in that type of an environment. Look for Southern’s aerial attack to bring home the victory.

Prediction: Southern 30; NC Central 21

Alabama State vs. Alcorn State @ Jacks Spinks Stadium in Alcorn State, MS (2 PM): Despite the win over UAPB, I still can’t get on the Alabama State bandwagon. Then again, Alcorn State is just as bad as Alabama State. This should logically be the battle for 4th place in the EAST. I am picking Alcorn simply because they are playing at home and I think they have the defense to stop Alabama State. Alcorn’s offense is not living up to pre-season expectations. Let’s hope that McKenzie has implemented some changes since their last outing.

Prediction: Alcorn State 17; Alabama State 14