Grambling (6-2, 6-0 SWAC) at UAPB (1-7. 0-5)
Series Record: 3-3 Since 2009.
What’s at stake
The Tigers try to stay perfect in SWAC play, stay in contention for the SWAC championship and SWAC/MEAC challenge, behind a veteran gunslinger quarterback Johnathan Williams. With a win Grambling would clinch the Western division and second season coach Broderick Fobbs will set a new career milestone, eight straight wins as a head coach. His previous streak was seven in 2014.
Key matchups
Grambling WR Chad Williams against the UAPB secondary. The weakness of UAPB has been stopping the pass, the Golden Lions rank last in the SWAC in passing defense and eight in total defense. Chad Williams is closing in on 700 yards for the season. The Tigers are averaging 262 yards third- best in the conference.
Players to watch
Grambling: Johnathon Williams is no doubt a touchdown throwing machine. He ranks second in the FCS in touchdown passes 26, and third in the SWAC in passing yards per game 262. Through the season Williams has showed poise, patience, and arm strength. He will challenge a UAPB pass defense that was manhandled by Prairie View A&M University last week.
Arkansas Pine Bluff: Quarterback Marcus Terrell at his best is inconstant. In the Golden Lions only win he threw two picks and when losing by less than five points in two games he threw two picks, Terrell has eight interceptions on the season.
Facts & figures
Grambling won last season’s matchup 63-39. The Tigers have won 12 of their last 14 SWAC games. The Tigers are ranked No. 2 in the SBN Black College Poll, ranked first in both rush offense and defense in the conference and ranked second in both scoring offense and defense in the conference.
The Tigers are on a seven game winning streak for the second time in two seasons. UAPB on a seven game losing streak is tied for the most consecutive losses since 2010 under head coach Monte Coleman.