Jeremy Anderson
Staff Writer
The Jackson State University Tigers will take a trip to Pine Bluff, Ark., on Sept. 27 to face off against the Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. UAPB has a 1-2 record going into Saturday’s game.
Both teams suffered Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) losses last week. On Saturday, JSU (2-2, 0-1) was upset by Tigers of Grambling State University (1-3, 1-0) by a score of 40-35. The victory gave GSU their first win of the season and only second win in two seasons. Although Jackson State was heavily favored to win and looked to be superior to their opponents, GSU played an efficient game with no turnovers and capitalized on JSU’s mistakes.
JSU saw improvements in the running game after only attaining -1 rushing yard against Tennessee State. Also, Quarterback LaMontiez Ivy threw for a career high 407 yards. But five turnovers hindered JSU in the loss.
UAPB opened the conference playing against Alabama State University on Sept. 18 in game televised on ESPNU. The Golden Lions were blasted 42-7 by Alabama State who dominated UAPB in all phases of the game.
The Tigers will once again be heavily favored to win the game Saturday. So far, UAPB has not beaten a team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. To begin the season, they lost to Texas State University 65-0. Their only win this season was against Concordia College of Selma, Ala.
Last year, JSU was victorious in this matchup. The Tigers dominated the run game and won 42-33 in Jackson, Miss. Rakeem Sims, current JSU running back, rushed for 103 yards last year against UAPB.
UAPB head coach Monte Coleman will be eager to get his first SWAC win on the season against Jackson State. After a 2-9 record last season, a win for the Golden Lions could spring UAPB back into contention in the wide open SWAC Western division.
As for JSU, this is a must win for many reasons. In order to return to Houston, Texas for a chance at a SWAC championship, JSU cannot afford to start conference play with two losses in a row. With fellow SWAC east teams like Alabama State and Alcorn State looking dominant so far, it is imperative that JSU regains its swagger and begin winning.
Look for improved offensive plays against UAPB as the offense attempts to find its rhythm. Wide Receiver Daniel Williams caught eight passes for 173 yard and 3 touchdowns against Grambling last Saturday, so look for him to step up again this coming Saturday in Pine Bluff, Ark. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at the Golden Lion Stadium in Pine Bluff, Ark.
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