Grambling State football season predictions

The G-Men douse head coach Rod Broadway after
capturing the SWAC Championship last year,
remaining undefeated in SWAC play. They are trying to
duplicate that success this season.
Photo credit: Darryl D. Smith

The G-Men are shaping up to have a very interesting season. With a schedule that has some tough opponents, I'll try to breakdown each game on its level of importance along with a prediction.

Grambling State v. South Carolina State - 9/6/09 in Orlando, Fla.
This is a big game. It's a part of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Both of these teams were champions last season. The G-Men knocked off Jackson State in a 41-9 blowout, while the Bulldogs knocked off all their MEAC foes en route to an 8-0 season.  The stat kicker? The G-Men lead the series 10-4. However, the last time these two teams met, the Bulldogs won 31-27 in the 1994 Heritage Bowl. I expect the G-Men to prevail in this closely, yet hotly contested game. There has been a lot of trashtalk by fans of both teams online.

Predicted winner: G-Men 30-27

Northwestern State @ Grambling State - 9/12/09 in Grambling, La. at 6 p.m.
Last year, the G-Men were not syncing properly and it showed early on during the game. Northwestern won 31-19, giving the G-Men a 1-2 start. However, this year, things are different. The remarkably young team are now synced, have won a ring, tasted success, and want more. The G-Men know that they can hang with this team, but will they prove it?

Predicted winner: G-Men 17-14

Grambling State @ Jackson State - 9/19/09 in Jackson, Miss. at 3:30 p.m.
This is one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. As mentioned earlier, Jackson State got blown out in the championship game by the G-Men, losing 41-9. But this year could be different. Jackson State wants revenge, and the G-Men want to prove that they can play with the best of them. Jackson State has had a large signing class, but there's no stand-out player from that bunch. The G-Men return nearly every starter from last season's defense.

Predicted winner: G-Men 35-7

Grambling State @ Oklahoma State - 9/26/09 in Stillwater, Okla. at 6 p.m.
This is possibly the game that everyone thinks the G-Men will lose easily. Well, that's not necessarily true. Head Coach Rod Broadway and Defensive Coordinator Cliff Yoshida are not ones to sleep on. Throw in a pretty experimental offensive coordinator by the name of James Spady, the Tigers may have a chance. But that's a HUGE may. The Tigers may score quick and fast, but, as much as I want the G-Men to win, expect the defense of Oklahoma State to adjust and pound them.

Predicted winner: Oklahoma State 35-14

Grambling State v. Prairie View - 10/3/09 in Dallas, Tex. at 6 p.m.
If you've never been to this annual game, you may think that Prairie View has a fighting chance. Well, Prairie View has not won this annual game in 23 years, losing last year's 40-16. Will this year make it 24? It's hard to say right now. PV definitely became a better team down the stretch, much like the Tigers. I expect a closer game this year, but the same result. You can't beat a losing habit.

Predicted winner: G-Men 35-21

Alabama A&M @ Grambling State - 10/10/09 in Grambling, La. at 3 p.m.
Alabama A&M did not fare well last year against the G-Men, losing 27-9. Not much has changed since then, except the G-Men have gotten better. Nothing really left to say on this one.

Predicted winner: G-Men 42-7

Grambling State @ Alabama State - 10/17/09 in Montgomery, Ala.
Alabama State used to be good, heading to SWAC Championship matches. Now, they are mediocre, at least against the G-Men. Alabama State may have revamped, but the power of the SWAC has shifted to the West.

Predicted winner: G-Men 28-7

Mississippi Valley @ Grambling State - 10/31/09 in Grambling, La. at 2 p.m.
This is the Homecoming game. While the Mississippi Valley football team has failed miserably to become contenders, the G-Men have excelled. The Delta Devils' band also has failed miserably. Half of the crowd will leave after halftime, and the starters will be pulled from the game as well.

Predicted winner: G-Men 45-7

Grambling State v. University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 11/7/09 in Little Rock, Ark. at 4 p.m.
Last year's game was a snorefest, with the G-Men winning 28-7. I expect the same this year, as UAPB hasn't done much to show it's very interested in winning football games on a consistent basis. They also haven't won against the Broadway version G-Men either.

Predicted winner: G-Men 27-7

Texas Southern @ Grambling State - 11/12/09 in Grambling, La. at 7 p.m.
This may be the lone game that decides the SWAC West winner -- or at least push it into a three-way tie between the G-Men, Southern University, and PV. Why? Because Texas Southern has improved -- drastically. They will not be a doormat this year (at least for the SWAC East), and they are ready to return to their glory days. However, this is a Grambling team that seems to improve on a daily basis. This game could be a toss-up, but the G-Men are more likely to prevail than fail.

Predicted winner: G-Men 31-28

Bayou Classic: Grambling State v. Southern University - 11/28/09 in Grambling, La. at 1 p.m.
The annual Bayou Classic game is the most anticipated Louisiana showdown in the state. The G-Men have only lost one game in the Broadway era, and Southern is fuming after last year's loss. There's no telling who will actually win this game as season records do not matter. If I was a betting man (and I'm not), I would put my money on the G-Men to finish off the season undefeated for the second year in a row.

Predicted winner: G-Men 45-41

SWAC Championship Game: G-Men v. opponent from SWAC East - 12/12/09 in Birmingham, Ala.
To be quite honest, if the SWAC East Champ isn't Jackson State, then there's really no competition for the G-Men. The G-Men have a 95% chance of winning this game, no matter who the SWAC East Champ is. However, it'll be a more exciting game with it being Jackson State. I won't do a prediction for this until the opponents are set in stone, but I'm sure you know who I would pick to win.