The Grambling State Tigers will travel to Pennsylvania this weekend to face the University of Pittsburgh. GSU defeated Alcorn State last week 31-10, while Pittsburgh beat Eastern Michigan 27-3.When GSU has the ball:
In Grambling’s 31-10 victory over Alcorn last weekend, Frank Warren became the first Tiger running back since 2005 to rush for over 100 yards in a game.
Brandon Landers opened the 2007 season with a solid performance. He completed 19 of 36 passes, for 303 yards and four touchdowns. Reginal Jackson may have been one of the biggest surprises of the game with his six receptions for 198 yards and two scores. Grambling’s offense will face its toughest test of the season against the Panthers defense. Pittsburgh only allowed 145 total yards in their victory over Eastern Michigan last week.
Advantage: Pittsburgh
When Pitt has the ball:
In Pittsburgh’s 27-3 victory over Eastern Michigan last weekend, the Panthers offense racked up 325 total yards against one of the weakest programs in all of major college football.
The Panthers will also be without their starting quarterback this week, after Bill Stull tore a ligament in his right thumb last week. The injury will force coach Dave Wannstedt to either play true freshmen Pat Bostick or Kevan Smith, who saw action after Stull was injured in the third quarter.
Pittsburgh’s running game wasn’t impressive either, as they had only 19 yards on 13 carries in the first half.
Grambling’s defense held Alcorn State to 255 total yards. The newly installed defensive scheme relies on speed and discipline. However, for Grambling to have any shot this weekend, the Tigers can’t go two consecutive games without a sack.
The secondary will likely be tested with a more vertical passing attack and better receivers. For the seniors on this unit, this will be their opportunity to show NFL scouts why they should be the next players from Grambling drafted to the next level.
Advantage: Pitt
Game analysis:
This will be Grambling’s fifth game against an FBS team in the past seven seasons. For Grambling to have ANY shot in this game, they must come out on the opening possession and command respect.
Landers must continue to take what the defense gives him, and the receivers cannot drop balls. The offensive and defensive lines must be at their best on Saturday. If Grambling can establish a running game and keep Pitt’s offense off the field, it could be a little closer than many think. I just don’t think it will be.
Prediction:
Grambling 17
Pittsburgh 41