The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) experienced a significant shift following a surprising upset as Grambling State defeated Jackson State 26-24 during the P&G Las Vegas HBCU Classic. This marks the second consecutive season and the seventh time in the last decade that Grambling has triumphed over Jackson State. The match took place in Nevada, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
Southern University, beginning the era under head coach Fred McNair, faced a challenging outing as they fell 43-35 to Florida A&M University (FAMU). The Jaguars have now recorded a disappointing 1-7 season. As the season progresses, the power rankings reflect the current standings and performances of each team.
Current SWAC Power Rankings
1. **Alabama State**
Record: 5-2 overall, 3-1 SWAC
Previous Rank: 2
Last Week: 56-13 win vs. Alabama A&M
This Week: at Prairie View, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Alabama State is set to face Prairie View in a crucial match. To secure a place in the SWAC Championship, the Hornets must remain undefeated, while Jackson State needs to lose another SWAC match, as the Tigers hold the tiebreaker.
2. **Jackson State**
Record: 5-2 overall, 3-1 SWAC
Previous Rank: 1
Last Week: 26-24 loss vs. Grambling
This Week: at FAMU, 18:00 Saturday
Extra Points: After losing to Grambling, Jackson State hopes to rebound against FAMU. The Tigers have historically performed well against the Rattlers, holding a 5-1 record in their last six encounters. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan’s participation remains uncertain due to a lower body injury.
3. **Prairie View**
Record: 6-2 overall, 4-0 SWAC
Previous Rank: 3
Last Week: 38-0 win vs. Lincoln (CA)
This Week: vs. Alabama State, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Prairie View’s recent performance included a dominant win over Lincoln. Coach Tremaine Jackson expressed enthusiasm about facing the top-ranked Alabama State team, with Prairie View holding a 2-1 record against them in recent years.
4. **Grambling**
Record: 5-3 overall, 2-2 SWAC
Previous Rank: 7
Last Week: 26-24 win vs. Jackson State
This Week: vs. Alabama A&M, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: The victory over Jackson State had a bittersweet moment as star quarterback C’zavian Teasett suffered an injury during the match. Grambling reported that Teasett was “responsive and in good spirits” following his hospitalization. The team aims to snap a three-game losing streak against Alabama A&M.
5. **Bethune-Cookman**
Record: 4-4 overall, 3-1 SWAC
Previous Rank: 4
Last Week: 31-14 win vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
This Week: vs. Mississippi Valley State, 15:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Bethune-Cookman is looking to extend its win streak to three games against Mississippi Valley State, having previously achieved victory in their last three meetings. The Wildcats currently lead the SWAC in time of possession, averaging over 32 minutes on offense per game.
6. **Texas Southern**
Record: 4-3 overall, 3-1 SWAC
Previous Rank: 5
Last Week: Bye
This Week: vs. Alcorn State, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Texas Southern aims to improve to 4-1 in the SWAC. Coach Cris Dishman emphasized the importance of consistency as they prepare to face Alcorn State, which previously defeated them last year.
7. **FAMU**
Record: 3-4 overall, 2-1 SWAC
Previous Rank: 9
Last Week: 43-35 win at Southern
This Week: vs. Jackson State
Extra Points: FAMU faces a formidable challenge against Jackson State. Coach James Colzie III highlighted the need for improvement in the Rattlers’ defense, especially on third downs, while quarterback RJ Johnson ranks second in the SWAC in passing.
8. **Alabama A&M**
Record: 4-4 overall, 1-3 SWAC
Previous Rank: 6
Last Week: 56-13 loss vs. Alabama State
This Week: at Grambling, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Alabama A&M’s struggles continue as they face two tough opponents, Grambling and Prairie View, in the coming weeks. Quarterback Eric Handley is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the Magic City Classic.
9. **Arkansas-Pine Bluff**
Record: 3-5 overall, 1-3 SWAC
Previous Rank: 8
Last Week: 31-14 loss at Bethune-Cookman
This Week: vs. Southern, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: The Golden Lions are seeking to end a two-game losing streak against Southern. Coach Alonzo Hampton stressed the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, having seen multiple dropped passes in previous games.
10. **Alcorn State**
Record: 2-6 overall, 1-3 SWAC
Previous Rank: 10
Last Week: 32-10 win vs. Mississippi Valley State
This Week: at Texas Southern, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Alcorn State aims to build on their recent victory as they prepare to face Texas Southern. Coach Cedric Thomas is focused on maintaining momentum against a challenging opponent.
11. **Southern**
Record: 1-7 overall, 0-4 SWAC
Previous Rank: 11
Last Week: 43-35 loss vs. FAMU
This Week: at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Extra Points: Southern seeks its first win with interim coach Fred McNair at the helm. The Jaguars have historically performed well against UAPB and look to build on recent offensive improvements.
12. **Mississippi Valley State**
Record: 1-6 overall, 0-3 SWAC
Previous Rank: 12
Last Week: 32-10 loss at Alcorn State
This Week: at Bethune-Cookman, 14:00 Saturday
Extra Points: Mississippi Valley State continues to strive for its first SWAC win of the season. Coach Terrell Buckley is implementing changes to improve the team’s performance, including frequent lineup adjustments.
With the season approaching its climax, the upcoming matches will be crucial for all teams as they vie for better standings in the SWAC.
