BROOKLYN- The Grambling State University Tigers (0-1) and the Northwestern State Demons (0-1) are planning to face off for the Shreveport Classic.
The classic will take place at Independence Stadium on September 10, 7pm EST.
This will be the first time the two teams will play against each other in the classic and the sixth time that both programs played each other in college history.
With Both teams suffering brutal losses to open the season, who will walk out with the win?
Grambling State
The Tigers were stagnant throughout their first game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
They were only able to score just three points and allowed the Red Wolves to score 58 points. This cannot happen again.
Offensively, GSU’s O-line needs to step up and protect either Quaterius Hawkins or Julian Calvez in the backfield.
Against the Red Wolves, their O-line allowed four sacks. If this is duplicated against the Demons, then none of their quarterbacks will have time to make the proper reads.
The O-line also needs to do a better job at run blocking, as 14 tackles for a loss by Arkansas State’s defense is unacceptable.
Defensively, GSU has to contain the running game. They can’t allow 339 rushing yards against the Demons, or else they’ll end up in the same predicament from week one.
They also need to pressure the opposing quarterback and get some sacks.
The Red Wolves did a great job protecting quarterback James Blackman in the backfield as he wasn’t sacked all game.
The Tigers have the potential to do so with linebackers Lewis Mathews and Joshua Reed.
Mathews had a phenomenal game against Arkansas State with 14 total tackles (12 solo tackles) and 4.5 tackles for a loss.
This was followed by Reed’s eight total tackles and two tackles for a loss. If anything, they should be utilized more in blitzing schemes against the Demons.
GSU’s secondary also needs to play better and not allow another receiver to have a 100 yard passing game.
Northwestern State
Northwestern State is in a similar situation as GSU, allowing the No.3 Montana Grizzlies to score 47 points in their shutout loss.
Offensively, the Demons need to avoid turning over the ball. Miles Fallin threw two interceptions and the team had three lost fumbles.
Avoiding those turnovers is crucial in order for the Demons to get a consistent groove on offense.
Also, they need to find a better way to incorporate the running game. There is no way that NWST should only have 36 rushing yards.
Defensively, the Demons also have to contain the run and avoid another 200 yard rushing game against the Tigers.
Their secondary also has to step up and avoid multiple touchdown passes from GSU’s quarterback.
Grizzlies quarterback Lucas Johnson shredded the Demons’ secondary by throwing for 208 yards and four touchdowns.
Northwestern State’s front-seven could provide some help to their secondary by providing more pressure to the quarterback.
Luckily for the Demons, punter Scotty Roblow can provide the perfect field position for their defense as he punted the ball eight times for 300 yards.
Final Verdict
Out of both blowout losses, Northwestern State looked like the better team.
This game should be close, but this one looks like a win for the Demons. Expect both teams to be tied 13-13 in the first half.
That’s when Miles Fallin leads the Demons to two scoring drives that result in a touchdown and a field goal, giving them a 10-point lead.
The Demons will hold onto that lead throughout the rest of the game.
The only concern for both teams is how they will play on the defensive side of the ball. This game can easily become a shootout between both programs.
But, this game will end up with a 23-13 win from Northwestern State.
 and the Northwestern State Demons (0-1) are planning to face off for the Shreveport Classic.The classic will take place at Independence Stadium on September 10, 7pm EST.){kind=link}