HOUSTON, Texas - Arkansas-Pine Bluff heads into its final contest with a 1-9 record; however, it also boasts the leading rusher in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in Taeyler Porter. Despite missing the last game against Southern University, Porter is still the SWAC leader in rushing yards (1,077), rushing yards per game (119.7) and is tied for first in rushing touchdowns (9). In fact, Porter is the only running back in the conference to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark and he averages one touchdown per game.

"I've been in this league a long time and I've been a part of the LaDarian Ragsdale's, the Aaron Baker's, the Lance Turner's, the Tillery's, the Martez Carter's, and he's that type of kid," said UAPB Head Coach Cedric Thomas. "He is without a doubt good enough to be a first-team All-SWAC running back. The offensive line has done great creating a line of scrimmage and giving him some holes. I think he'll be able to go on Saturday. I think he should be well rested this week. We aren't trying to do anything in terms of breaking records, but we are a better football team when he is in the game, so we will see if he can give it a shot and see if we can work on trying to get us a W."

Freshman wide receiver DeJuan Miller is having an outstanding campaign in his first season with the Golden Lions. The Florida native is currently tied for second in the conference in receptions per game with 4.7. He is tied for second place in the conference in touchdown receptions with six, and he is currently ranked third in the conference in reception yards per game at 70.1.

"All these guys are new to the program," said Coach Thomas. "These are the guys that we say are going to help us change the culture; a true freshman wide receiver, a true freshman quarterback and a junior transfer running back. We are excited about the future. This Saturday we have a chance to go out and compete one more time before it's all over. That's the only thing we are worried about."

UAPB's currently ranks second in the SWAC in total offensive yards with 1,853. Stats FCS Preseason All-American punter Jamie Gillan currently has the longest punt of the season in the entire FCS with an 80-yard punt against Florida International. 

"Coach Haywood (TSU) has done a phenomenal job with that program," said Coach Thomas. "The guys play hard, they are tough and they have two big time skilled guys on the perimeter that play big time college football. The have a quarterback that can get it to them in space. Their offensive line is so much improved, and its just a testament to his coaching and the coaching staff. He is a guy I most definitely can't wait to get a chance to sit down and spend more time with, because as a young coach like myself, we want to keep that torch lit in this HBCU sector and continue the development of young brothers through this great game of football. We want to continue to do things the right way and establish a culture, establish a program, and not make excuses as far as resources are concerned."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium. An earlier kickoff time of 2 p.m. was pushed back due to a soccer match between two Liga MX teams. that will begin at 2 p.m. at the stadium.