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Southern's Graves Emerges As COY Candidate While Jaguars Hunt For SWAC West Title

Southern's Graves Emerges As COY Candidate While Jaguars Hunt For SWAC West Title

Impressive Start for Jaguars Under Second-Year Coach

Southern University's new head coach Jason Graves has made a strong impression in his first season at the helm. After inheriting a team that won just two games in 2021, Graves has led the Jaguars to a 4-2 start, including a key victory over rival Grambling State University.

Graves' success has been built on a strong defense that has allowed just 14.2 points per game, good for second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Jaguars have also been efficient on offense, averaging over 300 yards per game and scoring 24.4 points per contest.

Jaguars Eye SWAC West Title

Southern's strong start has put them in contention for the SWAC West Division title. The Jaguars are currently tied for first place with Alcorn State University, and they have a favorable schedule down the stretch.

Southern's remaining opponents include Mississippi Valley State University, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Alabama A&M University. All three teams are in the bottom half of the SWAC West standings, giving the Jaguars a good chance to finish with a strong record.

Graves Emerges as COY Candidate

Graves' success has not gone unnoticed. He is now considered a leading candidate for the SWAC Coach of the Year award. If he can lead Southern to the SWAC West title, he would be a strong contender for the national FCS Coach of the Year award.

Graves would be the first Southern coach to win the FCS Coach of the Year award since Pete Richardson in 1993. Richardson led Southern to the FCS national championship that season.