Grambling, Alcorn St. favored to meet for SWAC title

About the SWAC

Player to watch

Casey Therriault, Jackson State

The quarterback took the SWAC by storm last season with 3,436 yards and 31 touchdowns - with just eight interceptions - and he'll likely be a sore spot for SWAC defensive coordinators again in 2011.

Overview

The SWAC saw an unusual amount of head-coaching turnover in its programs during the offseason. On top of that, SWAC member presidents voted to uphold the NCAA^[1]'s postseason ban on Jackson State and Southern. Grambling State is the favorite in the Western Division and will be aiming for its first SWAC title since 2008. Jackson State is the favorite to win the East, but because the Tigers^[2] are ineligible to appear in the SWAC championship game, Alcorn State will be the next in line to represent that division.

Toughest schedule

Prairie View A&M

Prairie View A&M will play only three games at home. Everything else will be on the road or at neutral sites.

Easiest schedule

Texas Southern

Texas Southern will open the season with four of its first five games at home.

Key games

Sept. 3, Grambling State vs. Alcorn State

This could be a preview of the SWAC championship game. Plus, Alcorn State coach Melvin Spears^[3] Jr.



was fired from a similar position at Grambling after the 2006 season.

Sept. 10, Texas Southern vs. Prairie View

TSU's defense of its 2010 SWAC title begins with a showdown against the 2009 champ.

Oct. 1, Alcorn State at Alabama State

The winner likely will represent the Eastern Division in the SWAC title game.

Keep an eye on

Prairie View A&M

Prairie View A&M has been picked to finish third in the Western Division, but Grambling State and Texas Southern, the Panthers' main two competitors, are far from flawless. Prairie View will be tested early, as three of its first four SWAC matchups will be against TSU, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling State.

Predicted finish

West: 1. Grambling State; 2. Prairie View; 3. TSU; 4. Southern; 5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

East: 1. Jackson State; 2. Alcorn State; 3. Alabama State; 4. Alabama A&M; 5. Mississippi Valley State.

References

1. ^{^} NCAA (www.chron.com)
2. ^{^} Tigers (www.chron.com)
3. ^{^} Melvin Spears (www.chron.com)