/* hide author info except on post */
if (is_single()) {
echo “BOXTOROW National Game of the Week
5/4 Alcorn State (1-1, 1-1) vs. 2/2 Grambling (1-1, 1-0)”;
}
[/insert_php]Rematch of last year’s SWAC championship game.
When Alcorn State and Grambling meet on Saturday in Grambling, LA, the matchup will be a far cry from the matchup between the two going into the SWAC championship game last year. While some of the principles from each team are the same, where both programs stand right now are different.
The two-time defending SWAC champion Braves are coming off a 45-43 triple-overtime loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff last Thursday on national television. UAPB was picked to finish last in the Western Division in the preseason predictions. Furthermore, ASU had a 30-14 lead early in the fourth quarter and allowed the Gold Lions to hang around and ultimately win the game on the Braves home field. The Braves were without star quarterback Lenorris Footman and star running back/wide receiver Marquise Watford in the game. UAPB quarterback Brandon Duncan sliced the Braves defense up for 505 yards passing, four touchdowns and no interceptions, while wide receiver Willie Young did pretty much what he wanted, catching 13 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns including the game-winner from Duncan in the third overtime.
Grambling on the other hand has looked very sharp this season. After rolling over Virginia University of Lynchburg 72-0 in a game that the NCAA and SWAC did not count, the Tigers headed out West to take on Arizona two weeks ago. The G-Men held a 21-3 halftime lead before letting the game slip away, falling to the Wildcats 31-21. Had quarterback Devante Kincade not gotten injured in the game it could have been a different outcome for GSU. Grambling followed up last week with a convincing 35-14 victory at Jackson State.
Watford will play against Grambling, but Footman will be a game time decision as he’s dealing with a sprained right ankle. Backup quarterback Noah Johnson, a redshirt-freshman, has put up some solid numbers this year in two games completing 35-of-52 passes for 417 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Braves running game has also been solid, averaging 197 yards rushing per game.
The issue for the Braves is on the defensive side of the ball and more specifically the pass defense which under former coach Jay Hopson was the best in the SWAC. So far, the Braves are giving up 421 yards of total offense per game, 427 per game through the air.
There have been some good individual efforts on defense by the likes of linebackers Michael Hurns and Darien Anderson and defensive end Stacey Garner who have combined for 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. ASU has not intercepted a pass this year.
Conversely, Grambling’s defense is much improved this year. While Arizona put up 445 yards, the G-Men held a very good Jackson State offense to just 275 yards.
The Tigers ground game led by running back Martez Carter hasn’t gotten going yet. GSU averages just 69 yards rushing per game and Carter, a preseason first team All-SWAC selection, has just 68 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns.
The passing game however has picked up where it left off last year even without BOXTOROW Offensive Player of the Year Johnathan Williams. With Kincade running the show, the Mississippi transfer has completed 34-of-51 passes for 420 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Kincade wasn’t 100 percent last week against Jackson State, but is healthier coming into the ASU game, which means he will also be a threat with his legs.
Alcorn State won last year’s SWAC championship game matchup 49-21. Grambling won the regular season matchup 35-34 in Lorman, MS.
For Alcorn to win… they must stop Kincade and must keep Carter in check as he’s do for a breakout game. Whether Footman or Johnson starts for ASU, they must attack the GSU defense through the air and get more touches for Watford, particularly through the air as he has no receptions this year.
For Grambling to win… they must continue to excel offensively and must try to establish the run. While the defense has struggled the ASU offense has little problem scoring points, averaging 32 points per game which is second in the SWAC. While the ASU defense gave up 505 passing yards to UAPB, they are number one in the SWAC against the run and must not allow Carter to have a breakout game or Kincade to run the football.