Prairie View is set to take on the Jackson State Tigers, Saturday at 2 p.m. The team is coming off a tough 28-21 homecoming defeat to Arkansas Pine-Bluff that dropped the team’s record to 2-6 overall and 1-6 in the SWAC. The Panthers are in the midst of a five game losing streak, the last four of which were decided by a touchdown or less. Still, it seems all is not lost.”The team’s morale is good,” said Prairie View assistant head coach Prince Pearson. They have played hard the last four games with a chance to win those games into the fourth quarter. We expect our kids to go out and play hard. They have not laid down the whole year and we expect for our guys to play their best football this week.”
The Panthers will have to focus hard on stopping Jackson State’s QB Jimmy Oliver. Through seven complete games, Oliver averages 227.9 YPG through the air and is quick with his feet. He also has 94 carries for 475 yards, an average of 5.1 yards per carry, making him a threat to run if a play is broken.
“They are a high energy team who will be hungry for a win,” said Pearson. “They will be ready to play. We have to take away the big play through a variety of coverages and give them pressure from the front four.”
For the Panthers to be successful on offense, they must establish a solid rushing attack, an attack that is spearheaded by junior running backs Kerry Wilson and Arnell Fontenot. Through eight games, Wilson has rushed for 452 yards on 66 carries, an average of 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile Fontenot has rushed for 452 yards on 88 carries, an average of 4.8 yards per carry.
“Having a ground attack is important. In order to be successful we have to create big plays on offense. Last but not least, we have to match their intensity. Do that and we’ll be fine,” said Pearson.