GSU win over PV predicted at annual State Fair Classic

The Grambling State Tigers travel to Dallas this weekend to square off against the Prairie View A&M Panthers in the State Fair Classic. PV enters into the game with a record of 2-1, with victories over Edward Waters and Southern University. PV hasn’t beaten Grambling since 1985, and has lost 34 of the last 35 games to the Tigers. However, Grambling enters into this game winless after two losses by a total of four points, and suffered a 20-point defeat to the University of Houston. Grambling has never started the season with four consecutive losses and will be looking at this game as the beginning of a new season.When PV has the ball: PV enters the game third in total offense in the SWAC averaging 314 yards per game. The Panthers have the No. 1 rated rushing attack in the conference at 222 yards a game, led by Arnell Fontenot’s 4.2 yards per carry. Fontenot and Kerry Wilson both gained 70 yards in their victory over Southern University. The Tigers are ranked 9th in the conference against the run allowing 191 yards a game. However, Grambling has had the toughest first three games of the season of any team in the SWAC thus far.Advantage – Grambling When GSU has the ball: Prairie View statistically is the best defensive team in the SWAC, only giving up 197 yards a game. Grambling enters the game ranked second in the SWAC in total offense at 324 yards a game. GSU’s receivers pose some serious mismatches against PV’s secondary. Clyde Edwards, Henry Tolbert, Tim Abney and Lakeldrick Bridges all have double figure receptions and average over 10 yards a catch. But who will get these receivers the ball? After an 18 for 23, 248 yard two-touchdown performance by Larry Kerlegan against the University of Houston, there may be a quarterback controversy at GSU. Kerlegan’s ability to throw on the run, make defenders miss and also throw the ball down the field makes this Grambling offense even more dangerous. Advantage -Grambling PV’s victory over Southern shocked many in the conference two weeks ago, but their performance in three quarters in last week’s suspended game against Langston brought fans back down to earth. GSU needs to score early and often to establish physically and mentally that they are the better team in this match up. GSU is far too talented to allow this game to be closer then what it should be. Look for Grambling to rack up a lot of yards in the air and on the ground.Prediction – GSU 45, PV 24