With star quarterback KJ Black inactive with a strained knee, the Panthers were able to pull out a 16-14 win in what turned out to be a defensive battle over rival Texas Southern University.
Patrons originally expected to see a highlighted battle between star quarterbacks for Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M.
The Panthers’ defense had to step up in a huge way Sunday afternoon as they forced four interceptions, one that was returned for a 72-yard touchdown by linebacker Marcus White.
The last points of the game for the Panthers and ultimately the margin was a safety that was set up by a punt from Pedro Ventura, pinning TSU inside their own 5-yard line. The safety caused Panther linebacker Raheem Cardwell, who dropped Tigers running back Joseph Warren in the end zone giving Prairie View a 16-7 lead at the 5:04 mark.
Head coach Henry Frazier III made a comment about his punter, ” He is like Tiger Woods with the football, he can put it anywhere. Ventura won the game, that’s why he is on full scholarship. He is an All-America player, I expect that from him!”
Both offensive struggled throughout the entire game, but the Panthers would attack first when back-up quarterback Jonathan Troast found wide receiver Shaun Stephens for a 20-yard strike early in the second quarter.
The Tigers would roar back as Nelson tied the game on a 33-yard laser off a play action fake down the middle of the field, to a wide-open William Osborne with 2:24 remaining in the half.
With the Panthers offense only producing 148 yards, only 22 produced from the ground game, the Tigers were able to stay in the game. TSU’s defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense took over at its own 31-yard line with 2:26 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Junior college transfer Troast went 17-of-34 passing, for 126 yards to lead the Panthers to the victory. On Troast ability, Frazier said, ” Film doesn’t lie, when KJ got hurt in May we knew we had to bring in a veteran who can play. He can make any throw on the field.”
The Panthers return to the field against Southern Mississippi and Conference USA member on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in Hattiesburg, Miss.