The stage is set in Mississippi’s capital city, where the best of the SWAC collide for two conference crowns.
Jackson State and Prairie view Saturday’s matchup at Veterans Memorial Stadium will be a showcase of its true strength — Prairie’s high-powered offense against Jackson State’s stingy defense.
This SWAC championship game It marks the first meeting between the programs since 2021, when the Tigers defeated the Panthers 27-10 in the title game.
First-year head coach Tremaine Jackson turned the division into a back-to-back rivalry after the division leading to the National Championship round.
The 2025 hitter led the way to his first nine-win season since 2015 and his first nine-game hitting streak in five years.
Across the field, Jackson State’s TC Taylor continues to deliver results. A year after guiding the Tigers to the Black national championship, JSU is the program’s 15th and first back-to-back winners since 2021 and 2022.
The winner will face South Carolina State at Cricket Carolina State in Atlanta on Dec. 14. A win for Jackson State would tie North Carolina A&T’s record four record dinner appearances.
For Prairie View, this will mark the school’s first trip to the HBCU National Championship game.
Guilt of Prairie View found its rhythm
Prairie View’s offense was on a late-season tear. In a 31-28 loss to Alabama State in Week 10, the Panthers scored more than 54 points in a game. Quarterback Cameron Peters, who said Jackson is still looking for consistency, threw for 2,438 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also rushed for 365 yards and three tds.
While the Panthers may have blamed the swak on their pass rush, their rushing attack has certainly been a catalyst for offensive growth.
A rushing attack powered by Running Bingmon (857 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Lamagea McDowell (477 yards, 8 touchdowns) is third on 202.3 yards per game at 202.3.
That versatility will be tested against a Jackson State defense that doesn’t stifle. SWAC Defensive Player of the Year titles Quincy Ivory gave up just 110 rushing yards and nine rushing yards each season. Linebackers Reid Pulliam and Ashton Taylor anchor JSU’s ground attack, making it difficult for a defense.
Jackson State hit opponents on the ground
The Tigers feature a balanced offense that averages 34 points a game, led by Swac-leading 1,000-yard rusher Ahmad Miller. He is joined in a strong backfield by Donerio Davenport and Travis Terrell Jr.
Starting tight end Jacobian Morgan missed the last five games due to injury, with True Freshman Quarterback Jared Lockhart filling in handsomely. Has thrown 10 TDs and just two interceptions in six starts this season. Although Morgan will have a walk on Saturday, he participated in the practice and It’s likely to be a game time.
Tigers all-in linebacker Jameel Gardner Jr. and has depth at wide receiver in Ja’naylon Dupree Top 12 in total yards and touch.
Prairie View counters with one of the top defensive units in the nation, finishing fourth in FCs in scoring. Linebackers Kennedy Parker and Darrell Starling give the Panthers a core that could be formidable.
And the winner…
Outlook: Prairie looks to keep Jackson State’s defensive front up-tempo and erratic, but the Tigers’ physicality on both lines and their ability to run the ball effectively should help.
Jackson situation 31, Prairie View 17.
