The halfway point of the regular season is here, which means it’s time to complete midseason evaluation that few will care about in the next few weeks, days or even hours after publishing.
What do we make of a six-overtime classic, 84-point loss and bench warmer — in one week — looking like the best player in the conference?
Let the grading begin.
Alcorn State: B
If not for a surprising overtime loss to Alabama State, the Braves would be in position to coast to another SWAC East title.
Jackson State: C
Its best win of the season was an 18-16 victory over MEAC leader Florida A&M.
Alabama A&M: D
The Bulldogs have won all the games its supposed to at the midway point, but were not able grab a signature victory. AAMU needs to do the same in the second half of the season to have a shot at winning the East.
Alabama State: F
The Hornets have struggled to defend (41 points per game) and struggled to score (13.8 points per game). Beating Alcorn State has kept them from completely bottoming out.
Mississippi Valley State: F
Winless through the first half of the season, the Delta Devils have played hard like they often do before the lack of quality depth ultimately catches up with them.
Grambling: C
While the Tigers remain very much in the SWAC championship hunt, this doesn’t feel like the dominant Grambling teams of a few seasons ago.
Southern: B
Dawson Odums switching to reserve quarterback Ladarius Skelton might have made the Jaguars the favorites to play in the Celebration Bowl if he continues to play up to SWAC Player of the Week status.
Prairie View: C+
The Panthers teased us all with wins over North Carolina Central and Grambling … before reminding us all why they historically can’t be trusted after losing by 38 to Southern.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff: F
Losing by 84 points to South Dakota State earlier this season is a tangible microcosm of how much the program has fallen since winning the league six years ago.
Texas Southern: F
Wide receiver Tren’Davian Dickson has been one of the bright spots in a lost season.
