WEEK 9 in the SWAC
October 28, 2006

Predictions by Tigerpride: THE Logical One

THE Logical One was 2-2 last week. My beloved Jackson State fell to Grambling while Alcorn blasted Southern. Both were well attended games. AAMU and Texas Southern lost as predicted to UAPB and MS Valley, respectively. The SWAC race is even clearer with the EAST to be determined by AAMU and Jackson State while the WEST race is between Grambling and UAPB. Sure, several scenarios are possible but logically, these are the 4 teams on track to make it to the SWAC Championship game. 

Alcorn State and Southern are both OPEN this week.

Jackson State vs. UAPB @ Golden Lion Stadium in Pine Bluff, AR (6:30 PM): This game is almost do-or-die for UAPB. After upsetting both Grambling and AAMU, UAPB appears primed to make their first SCG appearance. In their way is Jackson State….the top team in the SWAC EAST. JSU can lose this game and still go to Birmingham by winning their last three home games. UAPB, on the other hand, must win this game to keep the edge over Grambling State. UAPB has been up and down all season but they have certainly been up these last two weeks. They have a very balanced offensive attack but their defense ranks near the bottom in the SWAC. JSU has a proficient offense but lives off of its stern defense. JSU will probably be tested through the air but they will stop UAPB’s ground game and pull out a bigger win than expected.
Prediction: Jackson State 27; UAPB 14

Prairie View A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State @ Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, MS (2PM): It’s Homecoming in Itta Bena and what a more logical team to host than Prairie View? After upsetting Southern, Prairie View is looking more and more like the Prairie View we all grew to know. I can give you my MS Valley State predictions now for the rest of the season. They will not lose another game!!! With games against Alcorn and Alabama State remaining, they are certainly in the drivers seat and a winning season is almost guaranteed. 
Prediction: Prairie View 7; Mississippi Valley 28

Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State @ Legion Field in Birmingham, AL (2:30 PM): This game is billed as the Magic City Classic and it is the event of the year in Alabama. Over 60,000 fans are expected to turn out to watch Alabama State end the SCG hopes of AAMU. This will be Alabama State’s SCG. The looming question is who will play QB for Alabama State. Regardless, Alabama State will have too much defense for the lethargic AAMU offense to overcome. As AAMU falls victim to the big play, their SCG dreams will go down the drain. 
Prediction: AAMU 10; Alabama State 20

Texas Southern vs. Grambling State @ Robertson Stadium in Houston, TX (1 PM): Grambling will be on a high after upsetting Jackson State on their home turf but Texas Southern will not lay down for them. The logic behind moving this game off campus is beyond me because no one is coming but the football teams and the bands to see Texas Southern wear down as usual in the 4th quarter.
Prediction: Texas Southern 21; Grambling 35