Comments on: 2009 SWAC season preview; team-by-team breakdown

By: dogteam

dogteam — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:52:31 +0000

@Mikebiig, "Obama beer summit" LOL. I agree with Mikebiig, but also agree with Nick. The East is weak, but it isn't Jackson State's fault. If Southern or PV was in the East they would kill in that divison, but it isn't like. It comes down to it PV and Southern would have to beat the top dog in the west to make it to the big game and that's the only real deal. Good luck to all the SWAC teams, what I wish is that TVone or someone start showing more SWAC and MEAC games on tv, these have been some entertaining games missed by the rest of the country.

By: mikebigg

mikebigg — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:16:41 +0000

We'll have to do an Obama type Beer Summit and discuss this further.

By: Nick Deriso

Nick Deriso — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:23:47 +0000

I'm not saying Jackson State is a better team, or is better coached, than other teams in the West. Because that's irrelevant.

The SWAC Championship Game isn't played between the two best teams, regardless of their divisional designation, in the SWAC — anymore than the Super Bowl is.

It's played between the best teams from each side, and that has been — and is — Grambling and Jackson.

As such, reconfiguring the conversation is an empty exercise.

You could argue all night about the relative strength of other teams, and their schedules, and so on … but that's not the way it works, is it?

By: mikebigg

mikebigg — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:11:25 +0000

Nick, I just don't share your opinion that their team was better coached than PV of SU… they merely benefitted from two things, the schedule (Gram and PV) and being in the West. You mentioned their wins coincided with a switch to a run oriented offense…it also coincided with playing teams with a losing record down the stretch.

By: Nick Deriso

Nick Deriso — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:27:59 +0000

Rick,
The reader comment about yours mentioned coaching …

NICK

By: rick richards

rick richards — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:06:38 +0000

First I never stated JSU wasn't well coached; Comegy has managed to find a way to win everywhere he has been for example Central State, Tuskegee and JSU. Next, the point I am making is they are at best over the past years the fourth best team in the conference and have the luxury of being in a weak division!

All that information is good and well but the truth remains the same; the East is weak and Jackson State is fortunate the SWAC has two divisions.

It wont be long before they get some quality programs in that division, so JSU enjoy the moment!

By: Nick Deriso

Nick Deriso — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:20:10 +0000

The fact is, Jackson State has been the best team in the East for years now — and that's who the West representative plays for a championship. Whether they'd be the second, third or worst team on the other side of the bracket is pie-in-the-sky stuff.

I'd argue, too, with the idea that JSU isn't well coached.

Comegy and Co. were in a hole similar to Grambling's last season, starting 1-4 with a struggling transfer quarterback and managing 18 or fewer points in each of their first four contests.

JSU staff then switched from a spread look to a run-first attack in late October, steadying Rutland while springing rusher Luther Edwards. Edwards instantly ran for more than 80 yards a game over the balance of that month.

Jackson State’s defense also came to life, ultimately propelling that formerly 1-4 squad to its second SWAC Championship Game in as many seasons.

JSU would finish the regular season ranked No. 1 in the league for total offense (233 yards ppg), No. 2 in rush defense (73 yards ppg), No. 1 in pass defense (161 yards ppg) and No. 2 in sacks – besting eventual SWAC title game-winner Grambling in each of those categories.

That's the mark of a good team, with good coaches.

By: rick richards

rick richards — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:25:19 +0000

This is not a bad preview and GSU deserves to be picked first, but JSU is not that great. Even more if they were in the West they would be lucky to be the fourth best team. SWAC should get rid of east and west and let the best two teams play. JSU would not see a SCG anytime soon!!!!

By: mikebigg

mikebigg — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:24:03 +0000

Nice preview… I disagree with the assertion: "Grambling and Jackson State remain the deepest, best-coached programs in the SWAC."
Jackson didn't make the 2008 SCG due to being well-coached, they made it due to geography. They were fortunate that the GSU loss didn't count and they've ducked PV since 2007…still ducking them.

By: damack

damack — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:35:55 +0000

get ready GSU is bout to go on a butt kicking spree….