Jabbering JAG 135.2 (Changing of the Guard)

Things are really starting to pick up as we near the end of OOC play. There have been a few upsets but nothing too crazy that I have noticed... might be completely wrong. I also want to say that our thoughts and prayers from all of the media members are with those who have been affected by either/both of the recent hurricanes and those dealing with the fires.

I decided to dedicate tonight to the winds of change in Wilkinson. As the first WIS rankings were unveiled we had a new conference on top of the rankings. The SWAC, the home of the 5-time champions. This conference hasn't really added coaches but with nitros now rocking and rolling, things get a bit more interesting. The SWAC, like the Big Sky, has had a pretty solid staple of coaches for many many seasons now. I think that stability helps keep this conference near the top.

The OVC has had fantastic coaches go through it and they have had some consistent coaches but there really is only 3 who have been at their respective teams for quite some time. The OVC, to my amazement, wasn't even 2nd in the initial rankings. They were 3rd and nearly 6 points behind the top conference. Now it is early and the OVC always has national title contenders but have the been "knocked off" of their pedestal? Time will tell but I'm very impressed with what the SWAC is doing so far. We will have to wait and see if the SoCon can finally live up to their expectations, so far this season they are #2 but haven't faced a lot of tough competition as a conference.

SWAC - 4 ranked teams, all top 50 programs and a combined 22-2 among human coaches. The humans are 10-2 against human competition.

SoCon - 4 ranked teams, 5 top 50 programs and a combined 20-8 among human coaches. The humans are 6-8 against human competition.

OVC - 2 ranked teams, 7 top 50 programs and a combined 22-10 among human coaches. The humans are 11-10 against human competition.

Now for a few predictions to cap off the night.

Charleston Southern vs Villanova - NOVA 30-21

Sam Houston State vs Valparaiso - SHSU 35-24

Liberty vs Savannah State - SSU 24-21

Duquesne vs Jacksonville State - JSU 35-23

Albany vs Weber State - ALB 27-24

Eastern Illinois vs Furman - FUR 31-27

Tennessee Martin vs San Diego - USD 33-23

St. Peters vs Jacksonville - JAX 33-30