d. Once the balls got in the air, and everybody

(STATS) -- The Southwestern Athletic Conferences preseason offensive player of the year, senior running back Lenard Tillery, started his career at Southern University as a walk-on.So, too, did tight end Dillon Beard, who joined Tillery as one of seven Jaguars on the SWACs preseason team.Having one player develop like that is good fortune. Two? Hard to believe.But the top teams in the West Division need success stories such as that this season. Try to separate Grambling State, last years division champ, Southern, the 2013 and 14 division champ, and Prairie View A&M, this years favorite in the division, and its difficult.One persons predicted order of finish today might be completely reversed tomorrow.The West Division had become dominant in the SWAC until Alcorn State came along from the East Division and won the last two championship games. The Braves are the clear favorite again in the East, but the West is anybodys guess.We dont need a polished product, Southern coach Dawson Odums said. A guy may not play as much in high school, he might not have the film, but he wants to go to college and get an opportunity to play college football. But he wants to go somewhere where hes not just going to be used as a scout-teamer, hes going to have a fair opportunity to compete for playing time. Thats what our team offers.Were talented, and weve got to be committed to the process. And if we follow that, I like our chances in 2016.So do the Grambling and Prairie View coaches, who, like Odums, have enjoyed quick success at their schools. Theres been no time for building a program when theres a title to be won.The focus this year is the spirit of the game, how we play, Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs said. Too many times last season we had quarters where we had lulls where we didnt play as well as we were capable of in certain quarters. So for us, its about putting four quality quarters together week in and week out and continue that throughout the season.Said Prairie View coach Willie Simmons: Were not a team thats big on accolades, were not a team thats big on preseason hype -- things of that nature.We try to be a team that says, Hey, whoever needs to step up, step up. But we all have a job to do.Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference race and STATS predicted order of finishEast Division1. Alcorn State2. Alabama State3. Jackson State4. Alabama A&M5. Mississippi Valley StateWest Division1. Grambling State2. Southern3. Prairie View A&M4. Texas Southern5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff---=TEAM CAPSULES=EAST DIVISION=1. ALCORN STATE BRAVES=LOCATION: Lorman, MississippiSTADIUM: Jack Spinks StadiumCOACH: Fred McNair (first season at Alcorn State)LAST SEASON: 9-4 overall, 7-2 SWAC East (1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 11 (5 offense/6 defense)KEY LOSSES: John Gibbs Jr., QB; Darryen Ragsdale, RB; Warren Gatewood, DBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Lenorris Footman, QB, Jr. (74-for-170, 1,106 yards, 14 TDs, 4 INTs; 138 carries, 1,023 yards, 11 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Stacey Garner, DE, Jr. (42 TT, 14.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 PBU, 5 QBH)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Marquis Warford, RB/WR/KR, R-Jr.; Arron Baker, RB, Jr.; Brandon Campbell, TE, So.; Detonio Dade, C, Sr.; Deonte Brooks, LT, Fr.; Mike Brooks, DE, So.; Mike Hurns, LB, Sr.; Darien Anderson, LB, Sr.; DAndre Smith, DB, Jr.; Brady Smith, CB, Jr.; Eric Foster, DB, R-Jr.; Haiden McCraney, PK/P, Sr.OUTLOOK: Coming off back-to-back SWAC titles, Alcorn remains the team to beat in the conference. But former coach Jay Hopson is gone to Southern Miss, with former Braves assistant Fred McNair a head coach for the first time. Its a natural progression considering McNair is an Alcorn alumni and his late brother Steve will forever be royalty in the program. The Braves lost a superb senior class, but got a jump on this season last fall when Footman replaced an injured Gibbs at quarterback and took command of the offense, going over 1,000 yards in both passing and rushing with 25 total touchdowns. The dynamic Warford (1,431 all-purpose yards, 11 TDs) and Baker (9 TDs) also will continue to rack up touchdowns in their explosive offense. The Braves led the SWAC in total defense and scoring defense last year, and Garner, Brooks and Anderson return to help make a strong front. Their defense surrendered a ridiculously low 91.6 passing yards per game. The Braves have a national spotlight to open the season -- a Sept. 4 trip to Bethune-Cookman for the MEAC-SWAC Challenge.SCHEDULE:Sept. 4, at Bethune-CookmanSept. 10, Alabama State*Sept. 17, Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Sept. 24, at Grambling State*Oct. 1, at ArkansasOct. 8, at Alabama A&M*Oct. 15, Texas Southern*Oct. 29, Southern*Nov. 5, at Prairie View A&M*Nov. 12, at Mississippi Valley State*Nov. 19, Jackson State** -- SWAC game---=2. ALABAMA STATE HORNETS=LOCATION: Montgomery, AlabamaSTADIUM: Hornet StadiumCOACH: Brian Jenkins (6-5 in one season at Alabama State; 52-19 overall)LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 5-4 SWAC East (2nd)STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (7 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Daniel Duhart, QB; Jamir Hannah, WR; Damian Love OLONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Khalid Thomas, RB, Sr. (151 carries, 720 yards, 5 TDs; 33 receptions, 281 yards, 2 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Kourtney Berry, LB, Sr. (130 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FR)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Quinterris Toppings, QB, Sr.; Alex Anderson, RB, So.; Josh Davis, WR, Jr.; Brandon Barnes, TE, Jr.; Kerry Williams, C, Sr.; Sam Baptiste, OL, Jr.; Jylane Ware, OL, Sr.; Robert Brown, DL, Jr.; Roderick Henderson, DL, Sr.; Darien Barrett, DE, Sr.; Ricky Haley, LB/DE, So.; Torrey Davis, LB, Sr.; Dominique Jackson, LB, Jr.; Bradley Street, DB, Sr.; Trey Jenkins, DB, Sr.; Therron Presley, DB, R-Jr.; Trevor Vincent, PK/P, Jr.OUTLOOK: An 0-3 start to the Jenkins era set back the Hornets last September, but they finished strong with six wins in their final eight games. The road portion of this years schedule is particularly tough, including UTSA, Alcorn State and Southern to open the season. But the Hornets return one of the more productive linebackers in SWAC history, Berry, who has 363 career tackles and was the conferences 2015 defensive player of the year and an All-SWAC first-team selection for the third time. Overall, the Hornets have eight defensive starters back, with Brown and Henderson set to keep the D-line among the SWACs best. On offense, Toppings hopes to settle in at quarterback (part-time starter Ellis Richardson is not back), but the game plan still revolves around Thomas, who led the team in receptions in addition to rushing yards.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at UTSASept. 10, at Alcorn State*Sept. 17, at Southern*Sept. 24, Texas Southern*Oct. 1, Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Oct. 8, at Prairie View A&M*Oct. 15, Mississippi Valley State*Oct. 29, Alabama A&M* (at Birmingham, Alabama)Nov. 5, Jackson State*Nov. 12, at Grambling State*Nov. 24, Miles* -- SWAC game---=3. JACKSON STATE TIGERS=LOCATION: Jackson, MississippiSTADIUM: Mississippi Veterans Memorial StadiumCOACH: Tony Hughes (first season at Jackson State)LAST SEASON: 3-8 overall, 3-6 SWAC East (Tie/3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 18 (9 offense/9 defense)KEY LOSSES: Devin Fosselman, WR; Teddrick Terrell, LB; Ryan Deising, PKONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Dan Williams, WR, Jr. (54 receptions, 800 yards, 7 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Javancy Jones, DE/OLB, Sr. (91 TT, 24.5 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 PBU, 5 QBH, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: LaMontiez Ivy, QB, Sr.; Robert Johnson, RB, Jr.; Jairus Moll, WR, Sr.; DeSean McKenzie, WR, Sr.; Tevin Garrett, TE, Sr.; Marcus Cook, OL, Sr.; Cornelius Henderson, DL, Sr.; Christian Marshall, OL, Sr.; Keontre Anderson, DE, Sr.; Stacy Noble, LB, Sr.; Kwame Bowens, LB, Sr.; Shawn Bishop, LB, Jr.; Justin Jemison, DB, Sr.; Brandon Maiden, DB, Jr.; Zavian Bingham, DB, Sr.; Darcy Williamson, P, R-Sr.OUTLOOK: Jackson States tradition-rich program has won 16 SWAC titles, but none since 2007. Career assistant coach Hughes (most recently, Mississippi State) is a head coach for the first time and he inherited a veteran team which should be much improved. The offense will be dangerous. Ivy (171-for-282, 2,197 yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs) is a hard-nosed pocket passer and his top WR Williams needs only 45 receptions to break the schools career record. The Tigers went heavy on offensive linemen in the signing period, which is welcome news to RB Johnson as he returns from a shoulder injury last season. Jones is a fierce pass rusher and the defense has many of its key players returning.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, at UNLVSept. 10, Tennessee StateSept. 17, Grambling State*Sept. 24, at Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Oct. 1, Mississippi Valley State*Oct. 15, Southern*Oct. 22, at Texas Southern*Oct. 29, Prairie View A&M*Nov. 5, at Alabama State*Nov. 12, Alabama A&M*Nov. 19, at Alcorn State** -- SWAC game---=4. ALABAMA A&M BULLDOGS=LOCATION: Huntsville, AlabamaSTADIUM: Louis Crews StadiumCOACH: James Spady (7-16 in two seasons at Alabama A&M)LAST SEASON: 3-8 overall, 3-6 SWAC (Tie/3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 11 (3 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Brandon Eldemire, RB; Anthony Lanier, DL; Danny Johnson, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: DeAngelo Tuttie Ballard, QB, Sr. (88-for-197, 1,516 yards, 9 TDs, 3 INTs; 82 carries, 340 yards, 4 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Bryan Brower, LB, Jr. (76 TT, 4 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 QBH)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Damion May, QB, So.; Byran Brower, RB, Jr.; Harvey Harris, RB, Sr.; Tevin McKenzie, WR, Sr.; Octayvious Miles, WR/KR, Jr.; Jonathan Dorsey, TE, Sr.; Malcolm Johnson, OT, Jr.; Dexter Reese, S, Jr.; Averee Giles, DL, Jr.; Embrel Vaughn, LB, Sr.; Tere Calloway, CB, Jr. (Nevada transfer); Justin Brown, CB, Jr.; Devonte Simon, CB, Jr.; Nick Carden, P, Jr.OUTLOOK: The offseason death of Johnson in a car accident deeply affect the Bulldogs team. It will be an emotional season for them. Some of the returning starters also are not back for various reasons, so the Bulldogs will not find it easy to make significant progress in the win column. Too often they played from behind in games last season. Spady went heavy on offensive linemen and defensive backs in his recruiting class to solve some problems. While QB Ballard is a dual threat, he has to improve his 45 percent completion percentage. May could see time behind center as well and there is depth at the skills positions to boost the offense. The Brower twins are enjoying strong careers, with Bryan coming off a team-high 76 tackles despite missing two games and Byran a hard-nosed runner. The Bulldogs are adding new defensive packages to be a more aggressive unit.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Middle TennesseeSept. 10, at Mississippi Valley State*Sept. 17, Prairie View A&M*Sept. 24, Southern*Oct. 1, at Texas Southern*Oct. 8, Alcorn State*Oct. 15, at Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Oct. 29, Alabama State*Nov. 5, Grambling State*Nov. 12, at Jackson State*Nov. 19, at Auburn* -- SWAC game---=5. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE DELTA DEVILS=LOCATION: Itta Bena, MississippiSTADIUM: Rice-Totten FieldCOACH: Rick Comegy (3-19 in two seasons at Mississippi Valley State; 167-105 overall)LAST SEASON: 1-10 overall, 1-8 SWAC (5th)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (7 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: LeTrey Jones, DB; Quantavius Peterson, S; Jerrell Moore, RBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Booker Chambers, WR/RS, So. (15 receptions, 194 yards, 3 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Marquise Green, DB, So. (47 TT, 1 TFL, 7 INTs, 1 PBU)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Slade Jarmon, QB, So.; Thurston Rubin, Jr., QB Jr.; Natron Brooks, WR, Jr.; Tre Simms, WR, So.; Farrean Toney, WR, R-So.; Alvin Solomon, OL, Jr.; Marcellous Ellis, OL, So. (Arkansas Baptist transfer); Khalil Young, DE, Grad; Treikell Jones, DL, Jr.; Gearl Majors, DL, So.; Jermone Pledger, ILB, So.; Jamaine Boyd, DB, R-So.; Farreon Toney, DB, So.; Ruben Piraquive, PK, R-So. OUTLOOK: Comegy is making a difference at MVSU with his recruiting classes. As freshmen last season, Chambers led the team with six touchdowns and Green was among the FCS leaders with seven interceptions while leading a young secondary. Still, Comegys third team has to improve in many ways. That includes both rushing the ball and stopping the run (the Delta Devils ranked last in the conference in both categories). They were outscored by an average of 30 points per game. An effective Jarmon will go a long way at quarterback after the position was a revolving door a year ago. Comegy enjoyed great success in the SWAC while coaching Jackson State, so he still feels like the right fit for MVSU. It might start to show with more wins this year.SCHEDULE:Sept. 2, at Eastern MichiganSept. 10, Alabama A&M*Sept. 17, at Texas Southern*Sept. 24, Prairie View A&M*Oct. 1, at Jackson State*Oct. 8, at MontanaOct. 15, at Alabama State*Oct. 22, Grambling State*Nov. 5, at Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Nov. 12, Alcorn State*Nov. 19, at Southern** -- SWAC game---=WEST DIVISION=1. GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS=LOCATION: Grambling, LouisianaSTADIUM: Eddie Robinson StadiumCOACH: Broderick Fobbs (16-8 in two seasons at Grambling State)LAST SEASON: 9-3 overall, 9-0 SWAC West (1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (7 offense/5 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Jonathan Williams, QB; Chester Rogers, WR; Troy Roach, LB, Sr.ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Martez Carter, RB/RS, Jr. (111 carries, 876 yards, 9 TDs; 25.7-yard KO return average, 2 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Guy Stallworth, DB, Sr. (101 TT, 7.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 6 PBU, 1 FR, 3 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: DeVante Kincade, QB, R-Jr. (Ole Miss transfer); Trevon Cherry, QB, So.; Jestin Kelly, RB, Sr.; Chad Williams, WR, Jr.; Verlan Hunter, WR, Sr.; Justin Miller, OL, Sr.; Arkez Cooper, LB, Sr.; Malcolm Williams, LB, So.; JaTerious Pouncey, DB, Jr.; Derrick Dixon, DB, Jr. (Texas Tech transfer); Jameel Jackson, DB, Sr.; Marc Orozco, PK, Jr.OUTLOOK: Grambling didnt lose to a SWAC opponent last season until the championship game against Alcorn State. With SWAC offensive player of the year Johnathan Williams graduated, the Tigers feel they have the perfect replacement at quarterback in Kincade, a transfer from Ole Miss and former four-star recruit. When he settles in running the high-powered offense, he will rely on the versatile Carter and Kelly in the backfield as well as All-SWAC WR Chad Williams (64 receptions, 1,012 yards, 10 TDs). They have to get better on the offensive line, but it should remain a high-level offense. On defense, the Tigers seek improvement against the pass, but they feature one of the SWACs better defensive players in Stallworth. Carter is excellent at getting into opposing backfields. Fortunately for the Tigers, they get SWAC heavy hitters Alcorn State, Prairie View A&M and Alabama State at home and rival Southern on a neutral field.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, Virginia-LynchburgSept. 10, at ArizonaSept. 17, at Jackson State*Sept. 24, Alcorn State*Oct. 1, Prairie View A&M*Oct. 22, at Mississippi Valley State*Oct. 29, Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Nov. 5, at Alabama A&M*Nov. 12, Alabama State*Nov. 19, at Texas Southern*Nov. 26, Southern* (at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans)* -- SWAC game---=2. SOUTHERN JAGUARS=LOCATION: Baton Rouge, LouisianaSTADIUM: Ace W. Mumford StadiumCOACH: Dawson Odums (28-18 in four seasons at Southern)LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 6-3 SWAC West (3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (7 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Reginald Redding, OL; Daniel Brown, LB; Deonte McDuffy, SSONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Lenard Tillery, RB, R-Sr. (197 carries, 1,211 yards, 14 TDs; 19 receptions, 173 yards, 1 TD)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Danny Johnson, DB, Jr. (38 TT, 1 TFL, 3 INT, 7 PBU)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Austin Howard, QB, Jr.; Deonte Shorts, QB, R-Sr.; Willie Quinn, WR/RS, R-Sr.; Curtlan Williams, WR, Fr.; Anthony Mosley, OL, R-Sr.; Terrell Lee, C, R-Sr.; Aaron Tiller, DE, Jr.; CeaJae Bryant, DL, R-Fr.; Jamal Boulden, OL, R-Sr.; Kentavious Preston, LB, Jr.; Bryan Anderson, FS, Jr.; Jamar Mitchell, DB, R-Jr.; Rhaheim Ledbetter, DB, R-Sr.OUTLOOK: Last season was difficult for the Jaguars, and not just because they slipped back after winning the 2013 SWAC title and appearing in the 2014 championship game. Devon Gales was paralyzed on a kickoff return during a Sept. 26 game at Georgia. This year, the Jaguars are more experienced and expect to contend for the title again. In Howard (172-for-263, 2,292 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs), they have the SWAC preseason quarterback. In Tillery, they have the SWACs preseason offensive player of the year and the SWAC rushing champion. Their offense also boasts leading wide receiver Quinn, whos an All-America kickoff returner. The defense is looking to cut down the 33.5 points they surrendered per game last season. The Jags allowed 27 passing touchdowns. Among the changes, Trei Oliver has taken over the defensive coordinator duties that Odums previously held.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Louisiana-MonroeSept. 10, at TulaneSept. 17, Alabama State*Sept. 24, at Alabama A&M*Oct. 15, at Jackson State*Oct. 22, Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Oct. 29, at Alcorn State*Nov. 5, Texas Southern*Nov. 12, at Prairie View A&M*Nov. 19, Mississippi Valley State*Nov. 26, at Grambling State* (at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans)* -- SWAC game---=3. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M PANTHERS=LOCATION: Prairie View, TexasSTADIUM: PVAMU Football StadiumCOACH: Willie Simmons (8-2 in one season at Prairie View A&M)LAST SEASON: 8-2 overall, 8-1 SWAC West (2nd)STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (6 offense/ 10 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Johnta Hebert, RB; Jordan Johnson, OT; Brandon Medina, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Trey Green, QB, Sr. (171-for-288, 2,459 yards, 20 TDs, 3 INTs; 71 carries, 215 yards, 6 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Marquice OLeary, DB, R-Sr. (42 TT, 2.5 TFL, 2 INTs, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: KhaDarel Hodge, WR, R-Jr.; Demarquo Lastrappe, WR, R-Sr.; Josiah Freeman, LT, R-Sr.; Shawn Pierce, RT, R-Jr.; Akheem Barton, DE, Jr.; DeVohn Reed, DT, R-Jr.; James Harper, DT, Jr.; Willie Green, DE, R-So.; Jalan Coleman, LB, R-Jr.; Damond Jackson, DB, Jr.; Arthur Lockett, DB, R-Jr.; Dominique Weaver, DB, R-So.; Owen Hoolihan, PK/P, Jr.OUTLOOK: After a banner first season under Simmons, the Panthers were the West Division favorite in the SWAC preseason poll as they get set to move into a new on-campus stadium, Waller ISD Stadium, this season. While they lose a do-everything offensive standout in Hebert, this has become QB Greens team after his breakout sophomore campaign, when he threw for 20 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Simmons may be offensive-minded (the Panthers averaged an FCS-high 44.9 points and 487.5 yards per game last season), but the defense finished strong to become more of a strength. The unit heads into a second season under the same defensive coordinator (Ralph Street) for the first time since 2012. OLeary and Reed both made the SWAC preseason team, while Coleman collected a team-high 66 tackles in his first season with Prairie View. The Panthers last won the SWAC title in 2009.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, Texas Southern*Sept. 10, at Texas A&MSept. 17, at Alabama A&M*Sept. 24, at Mississippi Valley State*Oct. 1, Grambling State*Oct. 8, Alabama State*Oct. 22, at RiceOct. 29, at Jackson State*Nov. 5, Alcorn State*Nov. 12, Southern*Nov. 19, at Arkansas-Pine Bluff** -- SWAC game---=4. TEXAS SOUTHERN TIGERS=LOCATION: HoustonSTADIUM: BBVA Compass StadiumCOACH: Michael Haywood (first season at Texas Southern; 10-15 overall)LAST SEASON: 3-7 overall, 2-7 SWAC West (4th)STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (6 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Malik Cross, WR; Amir Bloom, DE; Darian Claiborne, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Derrick Griffin, WR, R-So. (36 receptions, 709 yards, 11 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Zach Bammijoko, LB, Sr. (54 TT, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 2 FR, 3 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Jay Christophe, QB, R-Jr.; Brad Woodard, RB, So.; Roshard Burney, RB, Sr.; Larry Clark, WR, Sr.; Austin Watts, WR, Sr.; Tracy Johnson WR, R-Jr.; Jahlil Mathis-Ellis, OT, Jr.; Damond King, DE, So.; Derrick Lyles, DT, Sr.; Zach Bammijoko, LB, Sr.; Jamal Lucas, LB, R-So.; Jarius Moore, LB, R-Sr.; Dondre Dobbins, SS, R-Jr.; Eric Medina, P, Sr.OUTLOOK: Haywood, the former Miami of Ohio coach, will try to get the Tigers winning more games than they did under former coach Darrell Asberry, who helped guide the program through several years of NCAA sanctions, but his went only 12-31 over four seasons, including 9-27 in the SWAC. There are key returning players in WR Griffin (36 receptions, 709 yards, 11 TDs) and leading tacklers Lucas and Bamijoko, but Haywood will need plenty of players to move into bigger roles. That includes Christophe running the offense, which will operate from the pro-set. At 6-foot-4, he will stand tall in the pocket and look to the 6-7 Griffin. The new defensive scheme is a 4-3 base alignment.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Prairie View A&M*Sept. 10, at Houston BaptistSept. 17, Mississippi Valley State*Sept. 24, at Alabama State*Oct. 1, Alabama A&M*Oct. 15, at Alcorn State*Oct. 22, Jackson State*Oct. 29, at Sam Houston StateNov. 5, Southern*Nov. 12, Arkansas-Pine Bluff*Nov. 19, Grambling State** -- SWAC game---=5. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF GOLDEN LIONS=LOCATION: Pine Bluff, ArkansasSTADIUM: Golden Lion StadiumCOACH: Monte Coleman (37-52 in eight seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff)LAST SEASON: 2-9 overall, 1-8 SWAC West (5th)STARTERS RETURNING: 9 (5 offense/4 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Kyle Coleman, TE; DeMarkus Berry, DE; Kevin Rucker, FSONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Willie Young, WR, R-Sr. (49 receptions, 584 yards, 3 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Willie Duncan III, LB, R-Sr. (118 TT, 7.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Brandon Duncan, QB, R-Jr.; Nolan Sorensen, QB, Sr.; John Hawkins, WR, Jr.; KeShawn Williams, WR, So.; Patrick Rowland, WR, Jr.; Nicholas Stroud, DL, So.; Cameron Willis, DL, Sr.; Rashad Boyd, LB. R-Jr.; JeKevin Carter, LB, So.; David White, DB, Jr.; Jamie Gillan, PK, So.; Matthew Guth, P, So.; Jaimon Peterson, KR, So.OUTLOOK: With the fewest returning starters in the SWAC at nine, the Golden Lions will struggle to get out of the basement in the West Division. They have suffered through three straight losing seasons. First-year offensive coordinator Ted White has switched the offense back to a spread attack, which will benefit QB Duncan (80-for-149, 1,027 yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs), who was average last season but flashed his potential in a loss against Grambling State (459 passing yards and three touchdowns). His top receiver, Young, is back as well, but the running back needs to raise its production. While LB Duncan is a standout, the defense has a lot of holes. Clearly, its a rebuilding season in Pine Bluff.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Tennessee StateSept. 10, Panhandle StateSept. 17, at Alcorn State*Sept. 24, Jackson State*Oct. 1, at Alabama State*Oct. 15, Alabama A&M*Oct. 22, at Southern*Oct. 29, at Grambling State*Nov. 5, Mississippi Valley State*Nov. 12, at Texas Southern*Nov. 19, Prairie View A&M** -- SWAC game Custom Cardinals Jersey China . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week. Wholesale Custom Cardinals Shirts . The Brazilian goalkeeper signed a loan deal with the Major League Soccer club on Friday as he looks to get playing time ahead of this summers World Cup in his home country. http://www.custommlbcardinalsjersey.com/ . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. 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RIO DE JANEIRO -- The kids who took swings in a hitting bay set up near the entrance to the Olympic Golf Course probablly have no idea the identities of Justin Rose and Inbee Park, the gold-medal winners at the mens and womens golf events that began with so much angst and ended with so much glory.They were but a small part of the Olympic golf mission, but an important one going forward, the idea that inspiring youth in non-traditional golf markets might one day lead to proficient players, if not gold-medal winners.Those kids might not have even known the Brazilian golfers competing in the fields over the past two weeks, but they were exposed to golf. And wasnt that the point?Golf took a wobbly step onto the Olympic stage less than two weeks ago and emerged standing tall rather than slinking off the podium. The tournaments were a hit with locals, sponsors, television and a worldwide audience that might not have ever watched a golf tournament. There are issues to be worked out for sure; nothing is perfect.But considering all the negativity that the sport of golf dragged to Rio -- along with the number of no-shows on the mens side that threatened golfs future in the Games -- those who championed this endeavor leave Brazil glowing with pride.Its exceeded all my expectations, said Paul McGinley, the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain who served as a group leader for both the mens and womens Irish players at the Olympics. Ive gone on record for more than a year about how important golf is in the Olympics and why we should embrace it and why it shouldnt be insulated.Golf in many circles has been insulated. This has been a chance for us to dine at the top table of sport. Why are we not embracing the Olympics? And Ive been proved right. Maybe it took them some time to see it. The ladies really embraced it after the men did. The cream rose to the top at both tournaments. It shows you how both sets of players were motivated by who was here. How they got into the spirit and how they got emotionally attached to trying to represent their country and their sport.Much of the mood changed at a Tuesday news conference before the start of the mens competition. Americans Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar were engaging, funny, self-deprecating and obviously keen to enjoy their time in Rio.It was a refreshing and somewhat surprising outlook and it carried on throughout the event. Watson became a de facto ambassador for Olympic golf, and the mood was altered.This is an absolute thrill of a lifetime, Watson said after he tied for eighth. This is the greatest sporting event Ive ever been a part of and associated with, and its a thrill of a lifetime. The Masters, I get the Masters for the rest of my life (because he has won the tournament), but its just golf. Theres no other events going on. And when you talk about a sporting event, this is a dream come true and to be part of it, its the greatest event Ive ever been a part of.It helped considerably that the mens competition was excellent. Major champions Rose of Great Britain and Henrik Stenson of Sweden battled on the final day, tied on the 18th tee, with Rose prevailing by hitting a perfect pitch shot to set up a birdie.Stenson, who won The Open last month, took the silver medal, and American Matt Kuchar, who shot a final-round 63, snagged bronze.The photo of them on the medal stand was one of pure joy. And Rose got a heros welcome when he arrived at the London airport after his victory.The reception globally has been astonishing, said Mark Steinberg, who is Roses agent. The reception he is receiving locally within the UK, its astonishing to even Justin who is wearing a gold medal around his neck. He just cant believe the amount of people who are reaching out to him that maybe dont sit and watch golf on a Saturday and Sunday.Maybe you attribute that to the Olympic rings. Anything you want to attribute it to. Its been an astonishing appeal. Its just so great for these guys to get that type of response.Steinberg also represents Kuchar, and his phone has been ringing with potential endorsement possibilities for both medal winners. He also had three other players in the mens tournament.There were clearly some agents who were in their players ears about not coming to Rio, but Steinberg was not one of them.ddddddddddddHe encouraged his players to compete (he swears his long-time client, Tiger Woods would have embraced it and loved it had he been eligible) and made the trip to Rio himself.I commend the officials for promoting this as much as they did even when they were getting the negativity, said Steinberg of the International Golf Federation, which was made up of executives from the R&A, PGA Tour, USGA and other organizations. They stuck to their guns and I think it turned out maybe in their eyes as expected and in most eyes better than expected.It was electric out there. There was so much patriotic cheering for the player who hit a shot and the countrymen and women in the field. But it wasnt Ryder Cup or Presidents [Cup] where it was a bit more antagonistic. This was unabashed rooting for a player from their country. And a little bit more quiet, but not negative for the other players in the group. That really gave it an Olympic feel.There was never much doubt that this would be a festive and welcome occasion for the women golfers. They fretted over how the defections among the top-ranked men might hurt the overall Olympic effort for golf, but were happy to see the turnaround by those in attendance.Americans Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller both spoke passionately about competing here, what it meant to them, the uniqueness of the opportunity. And having a Hall of Famer in Park take home the gold certainly did nothing to detract from the occasion.Honestly anything that happens is icing on the cake, said LPGA commissioner Mike Whan during the tournament. The Olympic movement has become crystal clear to me. We roll into a lot of countries, especially in Asia, and they have a term called podium sports. Youre either a sport or a podium sport. If youre a podium sport, that means someday somebody might be standing on a podium with their flag representing their country. And those podium sports get funded. They are funded on team programs, coaches, access to facilities.Ive seen podium sports change golf now. Theyre getting government funding. If youre a young kid, because it is a podium sport, there are opportunities that might not have been there five or six years ago. Thats the movement. What it means to our sport is already happening, its already impacted womens golf.To keep that kind of impact, however, golf has to remain in the Games beyond 2020 in Tokyo. And there was great fear that golf blew its chance. Now that trepidation has been replaced with optimism, with an excellent two weeks in Rio to build upon.Certainly there are problems to resolve. The schedule, especially on the PGA Tour, needs to be more conducive so players are not stretched so thin, as is clearly the case at this point. A format that would include a team portion would almost universally be endorsed.Golfs leaders need to sort through those issues quickly, vet them publicly, and assert themselves a little over a year from now when all of the Olympic sports are judged for inclusion in the 2024 Games.This helped tremendously in the Olympics moving forward because there was so much talk going in about the negativity and those not playing, Steinberg said. Once the balls got in the air, and everybody could see what was going on, it was a tremendous golf event. I think it did wonders for golf in the Olympics going forward and post-Tokyo. We all know the vote comes well before that sometime in the fall next year. But I think this did wonders.In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with relishing what just occurred and using it as a springboard to something better. The players performed, the golf course was a unique and formidable test, spectators enjoyed the experience even if some didnt know a birdie from a bogey.Olympic golf might not be on the same level as a major championship. It might not even rate as high as a World Golf Championship event or even a regular PGA Tour or LPGA Tour event.But an Olympic medal certainly does mean something. The six players who earned them in the past seven days showed as much. And maybe to those kids swinging clubs in a hitting a bay, it will one day be the ultimate achievement in the game. ' ' '