Week 7 SIAC by  Sofistakat October 7, 2006

Clark Atlanta University (0-4, 1-4) vs. George Mason Patriots, Homecoming, 1:30 p.m., Panther Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Once again the Panthers lead after the 1st quarter, but were shutout for the rest of the game in a 22-9 loss to KSU. The 108 yards of total offense (55 rushing/53 passing) tells you all you need to know. George Mason, better known for its recent basketball prowess, travels down to the ATL as Homecoming guest. The Patriots are members of the Seaboard Conference (I know - I hadn't heard of it either). Everyone makes a special effort on Homecoming so I suspect this may be a good week for the ATL Kats. CAU over GMU


Lane Dragons(3-0, 6-0) vs Kentucky St. Thorobreds (2-1, 3-2), Homecoming, 1:30 p.m., Alumni Stadium, Frankfort, KY

The Ponies are celebrating Homecoming and host the undefeated Dragons in what should be an interesting game. KSU's defense held Clark Atlanta to 108 yards of offense in a 22-9 victory. The offense pranced to 244 yards, led by QB Roni Robinson. Lane needed a last minute goal to snatch a 24-21 victory from Stillman. Lane's offense seems to have slowed down just a bit from earlier in the season. QB Sherard Ellis had another good game though the 4th qtr was when the majority of scoring occurred. If KSU wins this game, there could be gridlock in the race for the conference championship. Look for special teams to be the difference. KSU over Lane.


Morehouse Maroon Tigers (1-3, 2-4) vs. Tuskegee Golden Tigers (3-1, 3-2), 71st Annual Morehouse-'Skegee Classic, 2 p.m., A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus, GA

Both teams limp into Columbus after losses last week. The Maroon Tigers have shown they can move up and down the field. QB Reuben Dupree (23-36, 257) had a nice game. Unfortunately, the 'House men only scored once in a 23-6 loss to Alcorn. The Jekyll/Hyde Golden Tigers jumped out to a 16-14 lead by halftime, but imploded in the second half, losing to UAPB 35-19. QB Kevin Huff (16-29, 171) accounted for 103 rushing yards but the rest of the team needs to step up. Poor tackling and turnovers are problems that need to be corrected quickly. This game is always a fight no matter the records of the team. If the Golden Cubbies intend to stay in the chase, they better play a complete game and not take the Maroon Cousins lightly. TU over MC


Fort Valley St. Wildcats (1-2, 2-4) vs. Stillman Tigers (0-4, 1-4), 5 p.m., Stillman Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL 

Ft. Valley makes a quick trip over to Tuscaloosa for a katfight with the Bama Tigers. The Wildcats are licking their wounds after a 34-19 loss to Howard. The Wildkitties held a 19-6 lead at the half, but the Bison roamed all over the field (350 yards total offense), scoring 28 second half points. Stillman loss to Lane 24-21 on a last minute field goal. Tigers QB Charles McCollum continues to show he is the leader of this team, throwing 3 TD passes. Poor 3rd down conversions (1-10) and 2 missed FG cost the Tigers the victory. This game can go either way. Ft. Valley's defense will put a lot of pressure on McCollum and that will be the difference. Ft. Valley over Stillman 


Miles Golden Bears (3-0, 4-1) vs Albany St. Golden Rams (3-0, 3-2), 7 p.m., Albany Municipal Stadium, Albany, GA

The other game that will have a direct impact on the conference lead. The Golden Bears, along with Albany St. and Lane, are undefeated in conference play. The Bears offense, which had been in the cave sleeping, finally woke up in a 23-12 win over Savannah St. QB Terrance Standfield threw for 3 TDs and Jeremy Spears rushed for 114 yards. The Rams had to depend on special team play in a 10-3 win over Benedict. The only TD in the game was scored when ASU's Marcus Jefferson blocked a punt and returned it 11 yards for the score. Expect this game to be a low scoring, defensive game. ASU over Miles


Charleston Southern Buccaneers (4-0) vs. Savannah St. Tigers (0-4), 6 p.m., Ted Wright Stadium, Savannah, GA 

The Orange Tigers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead versus Miles, but lost 24-12. The offense continues to improve, with QB Garrett Williams (11-19) showing a little more accuracy. RB J. Beard also had a 70 yard TD run. These are encouraging signs. Charleston Southern is a Big South Conference member and is on a 9-game winning streak dating back to the 2005 season. The Buccaneers have 5 preseason All-Big South players, including the 2005 conference offensive and defensive POYs. I'm switching into Jesse mode and encouraging the Orange Cousins to "keep hope alive" that this game will be a defensive struggle. Otherwise, it will get ugly. CS over SSU


Benedict College - Bye


Short Shot: The Maroon and Golden Tigers have been playing each other over 100 years (1902) and are two charter members of the SIAC. This week's game will be the 96th meeting of these Tiger cousins, with 'Skegee leading the series (60-28-8).

Long Pour: Offensive Player of the Week: Sherard Ellis - Lane (So, QB, 6-2, 195, Missouri City, TX); Defensive Player of the Week: Brandon Parnell - Miles (So, LB, 6-0, 238, Marrero, LA); Co-Newcomers of the Week: Clifton Stanford - Lane (Jr, DT, 6-5, 220, Los Angeles, CA) and Terrance Standfield - Miles (Fr, QB, 6-2, 175, Birmingham, AL);
Special Teams Player of the Week: Marcus Jefferson - Albany State (Sr, PR/CB, 5-10, 170, Eatonton, GA); Offensive Lineman of the Week: Tavares Dishmon - Kentucky State (Sr, OL, 6-3, 300, Memphis, TN)

Last Call: A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus is home to the Morehouse-'Skegee and the Fountain City (annual matchup between Albany St. and Ft. Valley) Classics. It is named for the late Columbus City Councilman and Tuskegee alumnus A. J. McClung ('33), who passed away in 2002 at the age of 90.