Mississippi Valley State must find a way to boost its struggling offense if the Delta Devils are going to cool off Prairie View.
MVSU (2-3, 1-2 SWAC) is coming off a 32-10 loss to Alcorn State in a game where the Delta Devils were simply embarrassed as they gave up 14 sacks for minus 101 yards. They also had three turnovers, with a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Valley was only 3-of-17 on third-down-conversion attempts, so there are many areas for concern.
"We've got to get rid of the turnovers, and we're moving some guys around on the offensive line. We've got to find the right mix," said Valley coach Willie Totten, whose team has given up a league-high 35 sacks. "The problem with the sacks isn't just the offensive line. Our quarterbacks have to get rid of the ball quicker."
The Delta Devils may be without starting quarterback Paul Roberts, who suffered a high ankle sprain last week. Totten said Thursday it's doubtful Roberts will play.
If not, junior Marvin Pittman will get the start. He completed 9-of-22 passes for 136 yards and an interception after Roberts left the game against Alcorn last Saturday.
Prairie View (3-1, 3-0) has won eight straight SWAC games dating back to last year. The Panthers are ranked first in the league in scoring defense, giving up just 17.5 points a contest.
The Panthers sent out a loaded message to the rest of the SWAC a couple of weeks ago when they defeated two-time defending champion Grambling State for the first time in 22 years. However, their biggest statement might have come in a loss - a narrow 21-18 decision to Division I-A New Mexico State.
"It was just a great opportunity to see where we are. We responded very well. Then to go on the road and get a win in Montgomery (Ala.) after that was huge," said Panther coach Henry Frazier III, whose team rallied from a seven-point deficit for a 24-10 win over Alabama State last week.
The play of transfer quarterback K.J. Black has been a key to Prairie View's success. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound junior from Louisville, Ky., a former player at Western Kentucky, has earned SWAC offensive player of the week honors for the last two weeks. Black completed 22-of-33 passes for 341 yards and one touchdown against Alabama State. He also had a rushing TD.
In just three games, Black has completed 73 percent of his passes while throwing for 626 yards with four touchdown passes and four rushing touchdowns.
"There is no doubt Prairie View is a much-improved team. They will be a very tough opponent," Totten said. "We've got to protect the ball and continue to play tough defense. If we do that, we'll have a chance to win."
If Roberts isn't able to go, look for Valley to play it safe with its offensive game plan.
"We will simplify things for Marvin to control the clock and not put our defense in bad situations," Totten said.
