Fred McNair

Football

Football Picked to Win Seventh Consecutive Divisional Title in SWAC Preseason Poll

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference titles, the Alcorn State University football team will look to make it back to the championship game for a run at a third straight crown as the Braves were picked to win the SWAC East Division on Thursday during the Cricket Wireless SWAC Football Virtual Media Day.

Alcorn will look to claim its seventh consecutive divisional title in what will mark the Braves' final season competing in the SWAC East Division. With newcomers Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M joining the conference in 2021-22, the Braves will shift to the SWAC West Division. Last season, the Braves won its fourth league championship in six seasons with a 39-24 victory over Southern.

The Braves tallied 93 total votes and 14 first-place votes. Rounding out the rest of the SWAC East Division was Alabama A&M (77 points, 4 first-place votes), Alabama State (63, 1), Jackson State (60, 1) and Mississippi Valley State (37).

Southern was selected to once again repeat as champions of the SWAC West Division garnering 90 points and 14 first-place votes. Following Southern was Grambling State (86 points, 4 first-place votes), Prairie View A&M (67, 2), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (46) and Texas Southern (31).

The upcoming season is slated to kickoff next month with each league team playing six conference games highlighted by four games against Division opponents and two games against non-division opponents. The season will culminate with the Cricket Wireless SWAC Championship Game. The game is scheduled to be played on Saturday, May 1.

On Wednesday, Alcorn landed seven players, second-most in the conference, on the SWAC Preseason Football Team. The Braves will open the season on February 27 at Alabama A&M. Home games include March 6 vs. Alabama State, April 10 vs. Texas Southern and April 17 vs. Jackson State.

Predicted Order of Finish:

SWAC EAST
  1. Alcorn State 93 (14)
  2. Alabama A&M 77 (4)
  3. Alabama State 63 (1)
  4. Jackson State 60 (1)
  5. Mississippi Valley State 37
SWAC WEST
  1. Southern 90 (14)
  2. Grambling State 86 (4)
  3. Prairie View A&M 67 (2)
  4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff 46
  5. Texas Southern 31
(1st Place Votes)
 
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