SWAC Football: Prediction for Prairie View A&M vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff

The fact that the Prairie View A&M Panthers are playing this game is a testament to the perseverance of the Panthers’ players and staff. The Panthers paused all team activities due to COVID-19, canceling or postponing games against Alabama A&M, Jackson State, and Southern. The only game that the Panthers will make up is against Jackson State.

Pine Bluff has had a cancellation of its own as well. Their game against Alabama State was canceled due to weather, however. Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the game will go on this Saturday in Houston.

Despite the adversity, the Panthers have played good football this spring winning both of their games. Both games — Texas Southern and Grambling State — were one-possession victories for Prairie View. Both games were won with key defensive plays. The Panthers forced three turnovers against both Texas Southern and Grambling.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff has done it with offense. Before traveling to Itta Bena getting all they could handle from the Delta Devils, the Golden Lions scored 33 against Southern and 48 against Grambling. Neither the Jags nor Tigers had an answer for APBU’s spread offense.

This weekend, the Lions seek to clinch the SWAC West on their way to the title game as the Panthers try to lay the same claim and spoil the Lions’ unblemished spring.

Here is more information about the game.

Date: Saturday, April 17
Time: 4 p.m. EST
Location: Pine Bluff, Ark.
Venue: Simmons Bank Field
How to watch: ESPNU/ WatchESPN/ ESPN+

Keys to Victory

Prairie View needs to come up big defensively. Turnovers have fueled the Panthers’ two close victories this season and they need to do the same against Pine Bluff. If Prairie View cannot stop the Golden Lions from driving the football offensively, they do not have the firepower to win a shootout against Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

The Golden Lions need two things. First, APBU needs to continue their solid special teams play. It was a punt return that won them the game against MVSU and their kick and punt return teams have set the Lions in good field position all spring. Second, APBU cannot allow the Panthers to get into a rhythm running the football.

The Panthers want to run the ball and keep that Lions’ passing game off of the field.

Prediction

There are heavy SWAC West implications riding on this game. However, it has been a while since the Panthers were able to practice as a team and the Golden Lions want to wrap up the SWAC West. In addition, APBU has too much offense for the Panthers. Arkansas-Pine Bluff pulls away late.

Final Score: Prairie View A&M 17, Arkansas Pine-Bluff 31