The SWAC's Top Teams Are On A Championship Collision Course

The Southwestern Athletic Conference's top football teams are on a collision course before the season ends in 2021.

Houston, TX — The SWAC's top dawgs won big games Saturday — Jackson State, Prairie View, Alcorn State, and Florida A&M.

The Top 4 SWAC football programs are on a collision course before a true champion is crowned Dec. 4. 

On Saturday, Jackson State, Florida A&M in the East, versus Prairie View, Alcorn State in the West, proved they are worthy of top billings in the conference divisions. Before the final whistle, these combatants will collide.

Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders and his team prepare for their game against University of Louisiana-Monroe at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Tcl Jsuvulm1; Credit:© Eric Shelton/Clarion Ledger via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Alcorn's head football coach Fred McNair, center, speaks with media during the Southwestern Athletic Conference annual Football Media Day at the Sheraton-Birmingham Hotel in Birmingham, Ala., Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Swac Media Day 15  Credit:© Eric Shelton/Clarion Ledger via Imagn Content Services, LLC

AS IT STANDS

If the standings remain, Jackson State (6-1, 4-0 SWAC East) will come to blows against Alcorn State (5-2, 4-0 SWAC West) on Nov. 20 in Jackson, Mississippi. Before this matchup, a SWAC West game on Nov. 13 will have huge implications when SWAC West division leader Prairie View (6-1, 5-0 SWAC West) marches into Lorman, Mississippi, to clash with Alcorn. Florida A&M's (5-2, 3-1 SWAC East) has already fallen to Jackson State in Week 1 but will not face Prairie View and Alcorn this season. 

The Rattlers have the fortune of sitting back and hoping Jackson State falls twice to SWAC opponents to have an opportunity to represent the SWAC East - provided they run the table and win throughout.

THE CHALLENGES

Jackson State's biggest challenge may be against Southern in Baton Rouge on Nov. 13, ahead of ending the season at home against Alcorn on Nov. 20.

Winning in the SWAC is never a lock. Then again, losing at least one contest would not jeopardize Jackson State's title hopes as much as PV and Alcorn. While FAMU is sitting back and eating popcorn, awaiting several upset bids to the JSU Tigers, the Braves must remain perfect in this final leg of the season. Not to mention, Prairie View cannot lose to Alcorn to have a chance to represent the SWAC East division.

Shedeur Sanders; Credit: JSU AthleticsSept. 4; Prairie View A & M's QB Pass warming up. Credit: Kyle T. Mosley

Shedeur Sanders; Credit: JSU AthleticsSept. 4; Prairie View A & M's QB Pass warming up. Credit: Kyle T. Mosley

SWAC Prediction

The 2021 SWAC Football Championship will host Prairie View (West Winner) vs. Jackson State (East Winner) on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at 3 PM CT. 

Don't Be Surprised

On the other hand, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Braves staking their claim to the West title.

We shall see.