P.V. A&M vs. ALCORN ST.
Records: Prairie View A&M 2-3, 2-1 SWAC; Alcorn State 4-2, 2-0.
Series history: Alcorn State leads 46-22
Key players: Prairie View — QB Lavell McCullers, WR Khadarel Hodge, DE Akheem Barton; Alcorn State — QB Lenorris Footman, RB De’Lance Turner, LB Terry Whittington
Who has the edge Offense — Alcorn State.
The Braves are 18th in total offense (455.8) behind a balanced attack, averaging 226 rushing (6.6 yards per carry) and 229.8 passing yards. They’re 10th in third-down conversion percentage (47.6). But the Panthers are good on third downs, too, converting at a 46-percent clip. They’re averaging 201.6 passing yards, but only 176.8 on the ground.
Defense — Even. The Panthers blanked Alabama State and held Jackson State to nine points in a big win before struggling to slow Grambling State, which produced 419 yards. Alcorn is holding opponents to 4.2 yards per rush and 39 percent on third downs (36-of-92). Panthers opponents are only 20-of-58 on third down (34 percent).
Special teams – Prairie
View A&M. K Zach Elder is 6-of-7 on FGs. He was 6-of-6 before his first miss on a 29-yarder against Jackson State. Alcorn K/P Corey McCullough is 8-of12. He missed from 46 and 34 yards against TSU, but the Braves pulled out a 24-17 win. McCullough averages 41.4 yards per punt.
Notable:
The Panthers snapped a two-game skid in the series with a 40-34 victory two years ago, then followed that up with a 31-27 win at home last season. The Panthers trailed 14-0 early, then scored 17 straight and held on for the win. … Prairie View coach Willie Simons was the Braves’ offensive coordinator for the first of their back-toback SWAC championships in 2014.
About Prairie View A&M:
The Panthers couldn’t keep the good times rolling, falling 34-21 to Grambling State after opening SWAC play 2-0, but two players kept personal streaks going. Hodge caught a TD for the second straight game and posted his third career 100-yard receiving game, and Markcus Hardy has a TD catch in three straight games.
About Alcorn State:
The Braves are three-time reigning SWAC Eastern Division champions. They’re on a three-game winning streak after suffering consecutive losses to Florida International and McNeese State, beating Southern (48-31), Texas Southern (24-17) and Alabama State (24-10). Footman is 104-of-169 for 1,334 yards, nine TDs and four interceptions.
WHEN: 2 P.M. SATURDAY WHERE: JACK SPINKS STADIUM; LORMAN, MISS. TV: NONE RADIO: 1480 AM