Week 5 SIAC by  Sofistakat September 23, 2006

Kentucky St. Thorobreds (2-2, 1-1) vs Central St. Marauders (Coach: Al West 0-1), Toyota Heritage Classic, 5 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY

The Ponies managed to beat the 'House 34-31 despite giving up 533 yds of total offense. KSU's rushing game (29-218) was just enough to counter the Maroon Tigers 445 passing yds. The Marauders are looking to get back on the HBCU football map. But KSU's rushing game should be the difference. The Ponies will gallop to victory and send Central back up I-75 with the loss. Ponies over the Ohio Players.

Benedict Tigers (2-2, 1-2) vs Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (Coach: Wayne Hicks 1-2, 0-0), 6 p.m., Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, SC
The South Atlantic Conference Bears visit Benedict as the Tigers dedicate and open their new on-campus stadium. The SC Tigers will need to play much better than last week against Tuskegee. Less than 100 yds of total offense is not going to sit well with the Benedict faithful, who are geared up to celebrate the stadium's opening with a victory. LR won its season opener over Livingstone 17-14, but were soundly beaten by the NC Birds in Durham.Emotion will play a huge part as the SC Cousins win a low scoring game. Purple Tigers over NC PWC Bears (not to be confused with the NC Brown Bears from Shaw).

Tuskegee Golden Tigers (2-1, 2-1) vs Ft. Valley St. Wildcats (2-2, 1-1), 6 p.m., Henderson Stadium, Macon GA

The Golden Cubbies broke out of their scoring slump with a 27 point 2nd quarter, led by sophomore QB Jacary Atkinson. Atkinson, who replaced starting QB Kevin Huff, had a good game (15/16, 212 yds and 2 TDs; 64 yds rushing) and the Tiger defense roared loudly, holding Benedict to only 93 yds of total offense. The Wildcats were shocked by the Bama Bears in a 15-7 defeat. After jumping out to a 7-0 lead, Ft. Valley was unable to score again. Miles scored 15 points in the 3rd qtr and won the game. As has been the case in the recent past, this game will be one to watch. Look for a defensive struggle. Golden Tiggers over GA Kitties in a thriller. 

Clark Atlanta Panthers (1-2, 0-2) vs Lane Dragons (4-0, 1-0), 6 p.m., Rothrock Stadium, Jackson, TN

Lane is undefeated and riding high in the conference but had a difficult time getting past Concordia 27-20. The Lizards will need to shore up the defense this week. The GA Cats are coming off a bye week and should give them a good test - at least for 3 qtrs. Look for some trick plays from both offenses if the game is tight. The Lizards should be 5-0 on Sunday. Cole Lizards over AUC Cats.

Morehouse Maroon Tigers (1-3, 1-3) vs Concordia Green Hornets (1-3), 7 p.m., B. T. Harvey Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Let us all say a prayer for the Men from Morehouse as they continue to lose close games. The 'House seemingly has plenty of offense but little to no defense - as we saw in their 34-31 loss to KSU. Concordia appears to be getting stronger each week. The Green Hornets flew up to Jackson and just barely lost to conference leader Lane 27-20. This should be a high scoring affair from the opening kickoff. The Maroon Cousins should get their second victory of the season. 'Housemen over Cato and Co.

Liberty Flames (2-1) vs Savannah State Tigers (0-2), Joe Turner Classic, 6 p.m., Ted Wright Stadium, Savannah, GA

The Flames, from the Rt. Rev. Jerry Falwell's school and the Big South Conference, visit SSU in the annual Joe Turner Classic. We all know the difficulties the Orange Cousins have suffered these past few years. This matchup will not bring any relief. In fact it could get downright ugly - early. No need for Liberty to bring Dr. Falwell's fire and brimstone - the team will be enough. If the Orange Cousins can stay within 10 pts., it will be a good day. Flamethrowers over the Sea Cats.

Sunday, September 24

Miles Golden Bears (2-1, 2-0) vs Stillman Tigers (1-2, 0-2), Steel City Classic, 5 p.m., Legion Field, Birmingham, AL (Broadcast: ESPNU – Live)

The Bama Bears are growling loudly after their victory over Ft. Valley. It is still not clear just how good Miles is - when you look at their stats, you are not impressed. The only thing that matters though is the "W". Stillman was unable to capitalize on its opportunities in a 14-7 loss to Albany St. This game will be another one of those backyard brawls. If Stillman's QB gets ANY type of help from his receivers, the Bama Tigers could pull off the upset. The Bears have got to learn to not let a couple of wins go to their heads. Bama Bears over Bama Tigers.

Albany ST University – Bye

Short shot: Props to BeachCat/Jagwire Rashean Mathis, who appeared to be one of Big Ben’s favorite receivers in the Jville victory over Pittsburgh. (Sorry Alpha, I know the Steelers are your team but after those 2 INTs, I saw your fangs over in these parts. I’m sure you were very proud of Baby Boy…)

Long Pour: Co-Offensive Players of the Week: Roni Robinson - Kentucky State (Sr, RB, 6-3, 225, Frankfort , KY ) and Jacary Atkinson - Tuskegee (So, QB, 6-3, 205, Valley, AL ); Defensive Player of the Week: Herb Maze - Kentucky State (Sr, DL, 6-1, 270, Royal Palm, FL); Newcomer of the Week: Jonathan Hall - Tuskegee (Fr, LB, 5-10, 225, Mobile , AL ); Special Teams Players of the Week: Mauricio Garcia - Kentucky State (Jr, P, 5-10, 200, Anaheim , CA ); Offensive Linemen of the Week: Anthony Driver - Tuskegee (Jr, OG, 6-2, 327, Midland , GA )


Last Call: Current SIAC players in NFL (Defense): Jacksonville Jaguars (Walter Curry, DL, Albany St.); N.Y. Giants (Frank Walker, DB, Tuskegee); Oakland Raiders (Keyon Nash, S, Albany St. and Tyrone Poole, CB, Ft. Valley); Cinci Bengals (Anthony Mitchell, S, Tuskegee); Tampa Bay Bucs (James Patrick, CB, Stillman); Arizona Cardinals (Isaac Keys, LB, Morehouse); Indy Colts (Nick Harper, CB, Ft. Valley); San Diego Chargers (Drayton Florence, CB, Tuskegee); Washington Redskins (Dimitri Patterson, CB, Tuskegee)