PRAIRIE VIEW – After a month away from the gridiron, the Prairie View A&M football team (2-0, 2-0 SWAC) returns to action to face the surprise team of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-0, 3-0 SWAC) during a clash of undefeated teams Saturday afternoon from Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff, Ark. 

PVAMU/UAPB Game Info:
Date/Time: April 17, 3 p.m. 
Site: Pine Bluff, Ark. 
Stadium: Simmons Bank Field 
Last Meeting: PVAMU won 37-20 (Nov. 9, 2019) 
Current Streak: PVAMU, 7

PVAMU Storylines:
The Panthers come into the game after a four-week pause in activity due to COVID-19 related protocols. Despite the layoff, PVAMU Head Football Coach Eric Dooley noted that though the team is taking it one day at a time, the group is in good spirits and has been up to speed through practice despite the long layoff.

"We have to continue to be smart, and we've still got to get through Thursday and Friday to get to Saturday," Dooley said. "I feel good about where the guys are as far as the knowledge of assignments. I knew our conditioning would be in good hands given the shape (Strength and Conditioning Coach Nathaniel) Leonard had our guys in."

Prior to the brief hiatus, the Panthers have fielded one of the most disruptive defenses in the nation. Prairie View A&M has made 26 tackles for loss and averages 13 stops behind the line per game. The latter figure leads the country and with both teams fielding one of the better rush defenses in the league, this weekend's game could be another defensive war of attrition.

"We have to be sound with our assignments," Dooley said. "When you are, you can perform at a high level. Our coaches have prepared the young men well, and I feel good about our game plan going into it. It's going to come down to which side is able to execute and take care of the ball."

Scouting UAPB:
UAPB is led by quarterback Skyler Perry, who has made notable strides under the leadership of first-year coach Doc Gamble. Perry has accounted for 804 passing yards and has already equaled his passing touchdown total from last season (8) as the Golden Lions average 35 points per game. UAPB tends to gain rushing yards via committee, but boast a strong wide receiver trio in Josh Wilkes, Harry Ballard III and Tyrin Ralph.

Defensively, Isaac Peppers and Kolby Watts lead the way with 21 tackles each as the Golden Lions average nearly 10 tackles for loss per game. Jalon Thigpen has emerged as a stout cover man, with a pair of picks and four total pass breakups.

This year's Golden Lions are nothing like the UAPB teams of recent memory, over whom Prairie View A&M has won seven straight. Dooley said UAPB's swagger jumps off the film and the team is aware of the fight ahead.

"We're going into a hostile environment, and it's going to be a good game," Dooley said. "They're playing with confidence, and they are flying around on the field. UAPB is playing some exciting football, but we're doing good things and we've corrected some areas that needed attention. I've said it before, there are some good football teams and some good coaches in the SWAC, and there are no 'gimmie' games in this league.  It's going to be a challenge for us, and we will be up for it."

Keep up with all the latest news and information for PVAMU athletics by following pvpanthers.com as well as through Twitter via the PVAMU general sports account (@PVAMUPanthers). You can also follow along on Instagram.com/pvamupanthers. 
 

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