The Prairie View A&M Panthers are looking for a clean slate as they prepare for stiff competition in the SWAC West division.
Last season, the Panthers’ season finale loss against Mississippi Valley State prevented them from playing for another conference title.
Head coach Bubba McDowell’s message to his team ahead of 2023 was this: “They have to remember that loss at the end of the year and not go back there. Take this loss for what it is, learn from it, and get better.”
He talked about getting running back Ahmad Antoine in the fold after suffering two concussions last season.
Antoine then spoke about being excited to get back on the football field and to prove that Prairie View is not a one-dimensional offense.
“Last year everybody was saying we were one-dimensional [on offense], can only run the ball,” said Antoine. “So we got some new pieces coming in, and we’re going to show the whole SWAC what we’re about.”
Some notable additions include former Mississippi Valley State running back Caleb Johnson, former Alabama A&M wide receiver Brian Jenkins Jr., and junior college all-conference wide receiver Dagostino Saintal.
Expectations are not exactly high for Prairie View as they were selected to finish second to last in the SWAC West in the conference preseason poll.
The Panthers will look to exceed expectations beginning on Sept. 2 when they open the season on the road against Texas Southern.
