PRAIRIE VIEW, TX — Southern University will travel to Texas on Saturday for a Southwestern Athletic Conference match-up against Prairie View A&M at Panther Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.
The Jaguars enter the match-up looking to get back on track in conference play and build momentum during the second half of the season. Southern will face a Prairie View A&M program that entered the season as the defending SWAC champion.
Southern's offense has leaned heavily on its running game this season, averaging more than 170 rushing yards per game. Establishing that ground attack could be important against the Panthers.
Prairie View A&M will counter with quarterback Tevin Carter, who has provided production through the air and on the ground. Limiting Carter and preventing explosive plays will be a key challenge for the Southern defense.
Turnovers and field position could also play a significant role in the match-up. Southern will look to sustain drives offensively while its defense attempts to put the Jaguars in favorable situations.
Players to Watch
Southern — RB Trey Holly: Holly has established himself as the Jaguars' leading rushing threat. Through six games, he has carried the ball 110 times for 552 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry. His ability to keep Southern ahead of the chains could be crucial against Prairie View A&M.
Southern — WR Daejawn Smith: Smith leads Southern's receiving corps with 20 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns. The redshirt freshman gives the Jaguars a playmaking option on the perimeter and has produced a season-long reception of 43 yards.
Southern — RB Mike Franklin: Franklin provides another explosive option in the Jaguars' backfield. He has rushed for 263 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, averaging 9.1 yards per attempt. His big-play ability gives Southern another weapon alongside Holly.
Prairie View A&M — QB Tevin Carter: Carter is the player Southern's defense will have to account for throughout the afternoon. He has completed 84 of 134 passes for 888 yards and seven touchdowns without throwing an interception. Carter has also rushed for 206 yards and two scores.
Prairie View A&M — WR Damien McDaniel: McDaniel enters the match-up as Prairie View A&M's leading receiver with 23 catches for 227 yards and a touchdown. His consistency makes him one of Carter's primary options in the Panthers' passing attack.
Prairie View A&M — WR Rodny Ojo: Ojo provides another threat on the outside. He has 15 receptions for 220 yards, averaging 14.7 yards per catch. Ojo also caught a touchdown pass in Prairie View A&M's Oct. 3 match-up against Mississippi Valley State.
What to Watch
One of the biggest match-ups will be Southern's rushing attack against the Prairie View A&M defense. Holly and Franklin give the Jaguars multiple backfield options, and their ability to establish the run could help Southern control possession and open up the passing game.
On the other side, Southern's defense will have to disrupt Carter. The Prairie View A&M quarterback has protected the football through the Panthers' first five games, making pressure and takeaways especially important for the Jaguars.
Saturday's match-up is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Panther Stadium in Prairie View, Texas.
