LORMAN, Miss. (Oct. 4, 2025) – The Prairie View A&M Panthers hit the road to face the Alcorn State Braves in a pivotal SWAC matchup at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium. Kickoff is set for Saturday afternoon, as the Panthers look to continue their strong start in conference play while Alcorn State aims to rebound from a frustrating late collapse in Week 5.

For Prairie View, this contest is another test in a season that has shown promise but is still seeking consistency. For Alcorn, it is about regaining momentum and maintaining its historical dominance in the rivalry.

Prairie View’s Fast Start in SWAC Play

Under first-year head coach Tremaine Jackson, the Panthers have endured the typical ups and downs of a transition season but have found success where it matters most. Prairie View enters the weekend at 3-2 overall and 2-0 in SWAC play, showing resilience in league competition.

The Panthers’ offensive identity has been built around a punishing ground game. In their most recent SWAC outing, Prairie View piled up 224 rushing yards against Grambling State, showcasing the versatility of their backfield and physicality in the trenches. That ability to control tempo with the run game has been a hallmark of their success so far in 2025.

Yet, despite the encouraging start, Coach Jackson is still searching for his first marquee victory to establish himself at the helm. A win in Lorman against one of the conference’s most decorated programs would go a long way in cementing Prairie View as a legitimate contender in the SWAC this season.

Alcorn State Looking to Rebound

The Alcorn State Braves (0-4, 0-1 SWAC) enter the matchup with something to prove after a disappointing 24-20 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week. In that game, the Braves’ offense stalled in the fourth quarter, allowing the Golden Lions to escape with the win.

Head coach Fred McNair’s team has shown flashes of balance offensively, but the inability to finish games has been a troubling trend. The Braves, who pride themselves on physical defense and methodical offense, will look to reestablish both against Prairie View.

Alcorn has long had the upper hand in this rivalry, holding a commanding 46-19 series lead. The most recent meeting on Nov. 16, 2024, saw the Braves take control late and secure a 26-13 victory. That dominance looms large, and McNair will lean on that tradition of success as his squad looks to avoid slipping below .500 in conference play.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Prairie View Ground Game vs. Alcorn State Run Defense: The Panthers’ ability to dominate the line of scrimmage has fueled their success. If the Braves can slow down the rushing attack, they’ll force Prairie View into uncomfortable passing situations.

• Alcorn’s Late-Game Execution: The Braves’ inability to close against Arkansas-Pine Bluff was costly. Against a confident Prairie View team, the Braves must show composure and efficiency in the fourth quarter.

• Coaching Edge: Tremaine Jackson is still seeking a breakthrough win, while Fred McNair brings years of experience in high-stakes SWAC battles. This dynamic could prove crucial in a game likely to hinge on adjustments.

What’s at Stake

For Prairie View, the stakes are clear: a win on the road would move them to 3-0 in conference play and send a message that the Panthers are a legitimate threat in the SWAC West. It would also mark a defining early victory for Jackson’s tenure.

For Alcorn State, the matchup represents an opportunity to right the ship. Falling to 1-2 in league play would be a setback for a program accustomed to contending for division titles. Protecting home field and extending their dominance in the series will be top priorities.

Prediction

Prairie View’s rushing attack gives them a path to victory, but Alcorn State’s home-field advantage and history in the series cannot be ignored. Expect a physical contest where turnovers and late-game execution decide the outcome.

Projected Score: Alcorn State 23, Prairie View A&M 27