If you ask anyone who knows anything about football they will tell you that offense sells tickets but defense wins games.
That will seem to be the theme at this years homecoming matchup, pitting the Prairie View A&M University Panthers against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions.Even though the Panthers have been on the bottom end of some close losses, the last three games by four points or less, they have still consistently maintained their status as one of the best defenses in the conference.
The Panthers currently rank number one in scoring defense and number two in rushing defense, total defense, sacks by, and red zone defense. These high rankings are thanks to defensive leaders Van Sallier, Jermaine McGhee, Chandre’ Ward, and Zack East. Sallier, McGhee, Ward, and East all rank among the best in the conference in tackles.
McGhee ranks among the top three in sacks and forced fumbles. He also leads all ends and linemen in tackles.
The Panthers are also backed by the number one rushing offense in the conference. Prairie View has a total of 1345 yards and averages 192.1 yards a game, on the ground.
The Golden Lions have a number three ranked offense, led by senior quarterback Chris Wallace. Wallace is second in SWAC in passing yardage averaging 181.8 yards in the air and only five interceptions.
Wallace is arguably the best quarterback in the conference with an efficiency rating of 168.3, 29 points higher than the next leading quarterback.
To stop the Golden Lions’ air attack, the Panthers will have to shut down Wallace’s favorite target, junior Jason Jones. Jones currently averages 74.5 receiving yards per game and has a total of eight touchdowns this season. The Panthers will also have to watch for senior Dedrick Poole.
A transfer from University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Poole has rapidly contributed to the Golden Lions’ offense averaging 151.9 all purpose yards per game. Poole is a weapon that Pine Bluff likes to use on the rushing and receiving end of the ball.
The last time these two teams met the Panthers gave them a 34-7 stomping. This might be the win Prairie View needs to finish the rest of the season off on a positive note.
With a top ranked offense and number one defense going toe-to-toe, one can only imagine, but as the old saying goes…defense wins games.