Alabama State vs. Texas Southern
The top ranked black college football team according to multiple polls heads to Houston to take on a Texas Southern outfit that is coming off a blowout loss on national TV. This one has mismatch written all over it, right? Texas Southern has a shot on defense, however. The Tigers have the best rush defense in the conference only surrendering 340 yards this season. The Hornets are second to the bottom in rushing defense (2.5 yards per carry). If Texas Southern can find any way to shut down the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s third ranked pass offense, they might have a shot. The word might should be stressed. The Pick: Alabama State 27, Texas Southern 20
Mississippi Valley State vs. Alabama A&M
Mississippi Valley State head coach Karl Morgan said he believes the Delta Devils are close to finally securing its first win in two years after close defeats at the hands of Southern and Prairie View. Too bad Alabama A&M won’t take them lightly after pulling off a stunning comeback win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Pick: Arkansas-Pine Bluff 31, Mississippi Valley State 23
Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Jackson State
This will be the best homecoming matchup of the weekend. Both Jackson State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff are fighting for first-place in their respective divisions. There was concern just a few weeks ago if the Tigers’ “Air Raid Offense” had been figured out. Scoring 37 points in the second quarter against Texas Southern quieted the skeptics. The more important question will be can the Golden Lions pick themselves up after blowing a 20-point fourth quarter lead. The Pick: Jackson State 41, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 27
Prairie View vs. Southern
Who would have thought that Southern could be in first-place, in the SWAC Western Division at this point in the regular season? Well, it’s possible if the up and down Jaguars top the Panthers Saturday. Don’t count on it, though. Prairie View has won its last two averaging 37 points per game in the process. The Pick: Prairie View 37, Southern 27
