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SWAC Football: 3 reasons Alabama A&M will win 2021 conference title

By Dante Pryor

Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass (4) looks to pass against Alabama State University during the Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday April 17, 2021.Magic46
Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass (4) looks to pass against Alabama State University during the Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday April 17, 2021.Magic46 /
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Aug 31, 2019; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions running back KeShawn Williams (8) celebrates running back Tayler Porter (2) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2019; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions running back KeShawn Williams (8) celebrates running back Tayler Porter (2) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Arkansas-Pine Bluff has allowed nearly 25 points per game

The weakness of the Golden Lions defense is a clear advantage for the Bulldogs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff allows 254 passing yards per game at over six yards per attempt. That is nearly as many passing yards as they average per game offensively.

The Golden Lions pass rush, led by Isaac Peppers’ 5.5 sacks, has 16 sacks on the season. The pass defense for UAPB is feast or famine and is susceptible to the big play. Enter Aqeel Glass and the Bulldogs passing attack.

Glass has a 372 yard and 440-yard passing performance under his belt this spring, despite a marginal offensive line. Coach Maynor and the Bulldogs can live with a sack or two if Glass throws for over 350 yards again.

In Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s season finale, Prairie View A&M quarterback Trazon Connelly had over 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Lions’ pass defense. Alabama A&M also boasts one of the deepest receiver rooms, not just among HBCUs but also in FCS.

The Lions don’t have enough quality defensive backs to cover A&M’s receivers. Pine Bluff needs to hope that the pass rush is there like it was against the Panthers; the Lions had five sacks and three interceptions despite giving up 341 passing yards.

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