RFC Summer Semester--Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preview (FCS)

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2011 Final Standings 

Looking back: Despite finishing the 2011 season with the best overall record in the SWAC, Jackson State (9-2 overall) was unable to advance to the conference championship game.  That was because the Tigers didn't meet the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate (APR).  As for the teams that actually played for the SWAC title, Grambling State edged Alabama A&M, 16-15, to win the conference crown, overcoming a 12-point halftime deficit along the way.

Looking ahead: Another SWAC program, Texas Southern, won't participate in postseason play of any kind in 2012, as the Tigers from Houston also fell victim to the same APR sanctions that kept JSU from conference title game eligibility in 2011.  In another off-the-field development, Alabama State signed former University of Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell, who was dismissed from the Bulldogs program after his arrest on weapons charges in May.

2012 Predicted Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)

East Division

1. Alabama State (8-3):  The addition of Crowell could help the Hornets at least advance to the SWAC championship game, if not win it all, in 2012.  

2. Alabama A&M (8-4):  But don't count out the Bulldogs, either!

3. Jackson State (9-2):  Or the Tigers, for that matter!


4. Alcorn State (2-8):  The Braves will face an uphill battle to even win more than two games, never mind finish with a winning record, in 2012.


5. Mississippi Valley State (1-10):  The Delta Devils are in that same boat as well.


West Division

1. Grambling State (8-4):  The Tigers overcame a 1-4 start, including a four-game skid after winning their opener, to win seven straight games, and the 2011 SWAC title.  It'll be interesting to see if GSU can repeat that success in 2012.

2. Prairie View A&M (5-6):  With 39 letterwinners--including 16 starters--coming back, don't be surprised if the Panthers mount a serious challenge for the West Division title in 2012.


3. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-5):  The Golden Lions might have a say in who comes out on top in the West as well.


4. Southern (4-7):  The Jaguars look to bounce back after finishing SWAC play at 4-5 last season.


Not eligible for SWAC title

Texas Southern (4-7):  With postseason play out of the question due to NCAA APR sanctions, the Tigers will play every game like it's well, a postseason game.