Everyone seems to be doubting the Southern Jags going into the SWAC Championship Game. Everyone, that is, except for the Jags themselves. For that team, in the words of SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year Ckelby Givens, “If you’re not confident going into the championship game, you shouldn’t be here.”
Naturally, as the SWAC Co- Defensive Player of the Year, Givens also earned 1st-team all-SWAC honors this weekend. Unfortunately, Givens was the only player on the entire team to earn such honors, so despite winning the SWAC West and having a chance to play for the SWAC Championship, Southern only has one representative in the all-conference team. At the press conference leading up to the SWAC Championship Game, Head Coach Terrence Graves voiced his frustration with the situation.
It’s disappointing to the student athletes who worked extremely hard over the course of the season, and to not be recognized at more than one position, it’s just disappointing.
Southern University Head Coach Terrence Graves
Southern’s opponent in the SWAC Championship Game, Jackson St, led the conference with 11 selections to the all-conference game of course. This difference in recognition just adds more fuel to the main narrative going into this game, that of Southern being the big underdog to Jackson St. This is a rematch from week 3, where Southern went up to Jackson and lost 33-15 in a game that didn’t even feel as close as its 18-point near-blowout margin indicated. Combine that with Jackson St’s strong overall season, being undefeated in the conference and winners of eight straight, and we have all the makings for a heavy favorite vs underdog story to be told on Saturday. In spite of that, Coach Graves and his entire team has made it clear that they are n to buying into this underdog story in the slightest.
We don’t put a whole lot into the “underdog” role. We don’t have the “Hollywood story.” That’s for TV. We’re going to prepare, go out, and play to win.
Southern University Head Coach Terrence Graves
It ain’t no underdog role. It’s just Southern vs Jackson. Win or go home.
Southern University WR Chandler Whitfield
That “ignore the stakes or the story, this is just a football game” feel seems to be the demeanor this team has kept the entire season, and that’s largely thanks to their Head Coach. Coach Graves is trying to keep the team from riding the wave too much throughout the season, and it has succeeded as they have generated some momentum with four straight wins of their own.
I’m always a confidence guy. I’m a guy that thinks if you focus on the little things, the fundamentals and the techniques, it will give you a chance to win. I’m not one that will have my confidence high one week and lower the next week, I’m always even-keel.
Southern University Head Coach Terrence Graves
Southern may have won four in a row, but none of those tests have been as tough as the one in front of them this Saturday. Jackson St. has earned the role of favorite with the SWAC’s #1 scoring offense and #2 scoring defense on the season, proving to be a juggernaut in all phases of the game. Their offense is specifically a huge problem on the ground, as they are the only team in the SWAC to average 200 yards rushing per game. That is thanks in large part to the SWAC’s leading (and only 1,000 yard) rusher, Irv Mulligan. There will be a lot asked of a Southern defense who has found plenty of success themselves this season.
He’s a really good running back. He’s a slasher, but he is athletic enough to get out in the flat and catch the ball. We have to make sure we are gap sound. Good players, you don’t shut them down, you just try to contain those guys.
Southern University Head Coach Terrence Graves
The SWAC Championship Game will be this Saturday at 1:00 PM. You can watch it on ESPN2.
Check out the full interviews of Southern HC Terrence Graves, QB Jalen Woods, LB Vincent Paige Jr, WR Chandler Whitfield, and DE Ckelby Givens here!
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