UAPB faces 'game of the season'
BECK CROSSARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
SHREVEPORT -- Arkansas-Pine Bluff can't clinch a Southwestern Athletic Conference title tonight with a victory over defending champion Grambling State.
A loss, however, would knock the Golden Lions out of contention.
UAPB (3-1, 1-1) and GSU (3-1, 2-1) square off tonight at 7 in front of an expected crowd of 40,000 in the Red River Classic at the Independence Bowl.
With its loss to Western Division opponent Southern in the second game of the season, the Golden Lions can't afford another setback in the division.
"This is the game of the season for us,'' Hardman said. "If we lose, we know we're probably out of it. But if we come out with a win, we'll have a huge boost of momentum to carry us for the rest of the season.''
GSU, ranked No. 6 in NCAA Division I-AA, is on track to repeat as SWAC champion. The Tigers have defeated conference opponents by an average of 24 points and have played only one game at home.
Senior quarterback Randy Hymes is 51 of 97 passing for 752 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Tigers run with junior Brad Hill, who averages 126.5 rushing yards a game.
GSU averages 402.8 yards per game in total offense.
"Grambling is good as they were last year,'' Hardman said. "They're very sound defensively and have had success moving the ball. It will take our best effort of the season.''
The Golden Lions have put together back-to-back victories, but their offense is dotted with uncertainty. LaKendrick Powell, who started at quarterback the first four games, has been replaced by junior Fred Leonard.
In a 28-22 victory last week over Texas Southern, Leonard took over in the second half but finished 1 of 8 for 14 yards.
The rushing game continues to be a mainstay behind senior tailback Ron Johnson, who averages 5.0 yards a carry.
"We have to throw the ball some because if we don't, they'll crowd the line,'' Hardman said. "Fred has one of the strongest arms on the team and can throw the ball.
"I would prefer to play with one quarterback but the situation may dictate different things. [Powell] has done a good job for us but we feel Fred is a little more comfortable back there.''
Intimidation shouldn't be a problem. In a 24-17 loss to Grambling last year in Shreveport, UAPB challenged until the end but couldn't overcome two turnovers that resulted in GSU touchdowns.
"We were able to move the ball on them, but the turnovers killed us,'' Hardman said. "If we can limit turnovers and control time of possession, we feel like we're capable of winning.''
UAPB VS. GRAMBLING STATE
WHEN 7 p.m.
WHERE Independence Bowl; Shreveport
RECORDS UAPB 3-1, 1-1; GSU (3-1, 2-1)
LAST MEETING Grambling won 24-17 last year in Shreveport
COACHES Lee Hardman (55-36 in ninth season at UAPB); Doug Williams (14-2 in third season at GSU).
RADIO KZYP-FM, 99.3 in Pine Bluff; KCLT-FM, 105 in Helena; KMGC-FM, 104 in Camden.
This article was published on October 13, 2001
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