Alabama State vs Alabama A&M – Magic City Classic
Here we are one mo’ ‘gin the battle for the SWAC Eastern division lead. Neither State nor A&M have a loss in the division. Alabama State hasn’t lost to a team in the conference whereas Alabama A&M has dropped two.
The Bulldogs dropped their first game against pass-happy Grambling State. After giving up 407 yards of total offense to the G-Men A&M shored up its defense. No team has scored more than 17 points against the marauding maroon and white defense. They’ll need that level of play when they face the Hornets. In the conference, State is second only to Grambling in scoring while topping all SWAC teams in offensive yardage. Defensively the Hornets are not to shabby either yielding just 18 points per contest.
A&M’s conference leading sack squad will have to add Tavaris Jackson to that total if they are to win this game. How successful runningbacks Keldrick Williams and Robert Randolph are will determine the final score. A big day rushing the ball against the conference’s best run defense could make scoring a whole lot of fun for the Hornets.
Edge: There really isn’t an edge in this game. Both teams eyes sparkle at the mere mention of the Magic City Classic. Give the defending SWAC Champs (+1) for swagger.
Delaware State at SC State – Homecoming
Orangeburg will be rocking this weekend when the Hornets come to town. Last week’s loss to Hampton has placed the Bulldogs in a must win situation to remain in the hunt for the playoffs and with thin hopes for the MEAC title. Delaware State held court at their homecoming last week handily defeating Morgan State 41-14. Talk about hungry, a win could keep the Hornets one step behind Hampton in the MEAC title race.
Against mutual opponents South Carolina State’s defense has played far better than the Hornets. The Bulldogs held the lead against both Hampton and Coastal Carolina. Delaware State lost by a much larger spread than SC State against both opponents.
Edge: SC State (+3)
St. Augustine at Winston-Salem State – Homecoming
The flying Falcons need this win to clinch the CIAA Western Division. Last week’s loss to Fayetteville State destroyed their dreams of a perfect season but may have given them the proper perspective to finish out the season strong.
Winston-Salem State has played well this season and defeated the only team to beat the Falcons. This is the Rams Homecoming swan song as they bid adieu to the CIAA and begin focusing on the move up to D-1AA. Joining them in the move is North Carolina Central. NCCU will be rooting for a Rams win to help them in their bid for a spot in the Championship game.
Edge: WSSU (+2)
Stillman at Kentucky State
Orientation has been rough for the Tigers. They have been treated rudely by the top teams in the SIAC. When they roll into Frankfort, KY they’ll face the conference’s fourth best team for the last few years. Kentucky State hasn’t overwhelmed any of their opponents but has come away with five conference wins. Both teams favor the pass over the run but Stillman has the edge in efficiency.
Don’t expect either offense to change their philosophy Saturday. Thorobred defensive back Marcus Wright has the lock on the interception lead in the SIAC with 8 picks. Stillman quarterback Charles McCollum better know where this player is at all times.
Edge: The ‘Breds beat the brakes off of the Tigers in 2004. A repeat performance is likely. KSU (+7)
Posted By:
Thursday, October 27th 2005 at 10:43PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
