Texas Southern (0-0) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-0)

When: noon Saturday at Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff, Ark.

Broadcast: UAPB Sports Network

The Matchup: The Southwestern Athletic Conference season kicks off this weekend which will mark the second season for Texas Southern coach Clarence McKinney at the helm of the Tigers.

McKinney is still searching for his first win with TSU after an 0-11 campaign in 2019. The Tigers should be improved this year but UAPB will provide a solid challenge. The Golden Lions were 6-5 overall last year and 3-4 in the SWAC.

Players to Watch: 

TSU - Michael Badejo, DL, Sr, Mansfield, Texas (SMU)

Devin Williams, QB, Sr, Mansfield, Texas (Blinn)

Richard Garcia III, K, So, Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS)

UAPB - Mark Evans II, OL, Jr, Houston, Texas (C.E. King HS)

Harry Ballard III, WR, Sr, St. Louis, Mo. (Missouri)

Tyrin Ralph, KR, Sr, New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr HS)

Key to Victory: The schedule is not favorable for the Tigers this year with TSU playing mostly against the SWAC West Division. The Tigers will depend on quarterback Devin Williams to be accurate and take care of the football on offense.

The defense is where McKinney will seek the most improvement this year after allowing 45 points per game and 259 yards rushing per game last season. The Tigers focused on improving the defensive line with their recent recruiting classes.

Prediction: UAPB by 10