The Grambling State Tigers and their high scoring explosive offense look to extended their two game winning streak against conference rival the Jackson State Tigers.
GSU(2-2, 2-0 SWAC) offense lead by senior quarterback Jonathan Williams is imposing their will on opponents defense scoring often and fast. GSU’s offense averages 42.8 points per game and airs the football out for 305.2 yards per game. Williams has completed 78 of 150 passing attempts for 1,154 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
It’s hard to slow down GSU’s passing attack because they keep opponents defense off balance with their rushing attack. GSU has rushed 155 times this season averaging 155.5 yards per game.
GSU’s defense is still questionable allowing over 50 points in three out of four games. GSU is still unable to stop opponents passing the football.
Jackson State (1-3,1-1 SWAC) coming off their first win of the season was able to rely on junior quarterback LaMontiez Ivy. Ivy completed 22 of 27 passing attempts for 370 yards three touchdown and two interceptions.
JSU relies heavy on the passing game averaging 330 yards per game. J-State’s running game has been non-existent this season rushing 371 yards and two touchdowns. JSU averages 92.8 yards per game.
GAME PLAN
In order for J-State’s defense to slow down GSU’s offense they have to limit big plays and force GSU to convert on third down. GSU converts 36 percent on third down and 20 percent on fourth down.
JSU’s defense has to blitz Williams and keep him inside the pocket. Williams makes his best places outside the pocket where he has the option to pass or run.
JSU’s passing offense has the ability to force a shoot out with the GSU offense. GSU’s defense has shown the inability to stop the pass allowing 336 passing yards per game,
In the third quarter GSU outscores opponents 41-28. J-State’s best chance to spark a run is the fourth quarter, where GSU outscores opponents 62-60. Prairie View scored 20 points in the fourth quarter in GSU’s win last week and Bethune-Cookman scored 29 points against GSU in week two.
In order for GSU to keep winning they have to focus on limiting the pass and being discipline on defense. Not allowing J-State to take advantage of personal foul penalties. GSU’s secondary has to step up and make plays against J-State or Ivy will exploit the miss matches. JSU’s run game will be a non-factor as GSU takes away the run.
GSU’s offense has to continue doing what they do which is scoring touchdowns and finding ways to get Martez Carter the football.
PREDICTION
Grambling offense will have no trouble scoring the football whenever they choose. Despite a weak passing defense GSU extends their winning steak to three games winning 52-28.