What's Happening?
Southern University has dismissed head coach Terrence Graves following a series of disappointing performances, including a recent 24-3 loss to Prairie View A&M. This decision comes just a year after Graves led the Jaguars to the SWAC Championship Game.
Fred McNair, former head coach at Alcorn State, has been appointed as the interim head coach and will make his debut against Florida A&M University (FAMU) this weekend. FAMU, on the other hand, is coming off a morale-boosting victory against Alcorn State, where quarterback RJ Johnson III played a pivotal role by throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns. The upcoming game between Southern and FAMU is scheduled for October 25 at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
Why It's Important?
The dismissal of Terrence Graves marks a significant shift for Southern University, highlighting the pressures and expectations within college football programs. The decision to replace Graves with Fred McNair could impact the team's dynamics and performance in the remaining season. For FAMU, the game against Southern represents an opportunity to build on their recent success and improve their standing in the SWAC. The outcome of this game could influence the future strategies and coaching decisions for both teams. Additionally, the game being streamed on ESPN+ reflects the growing trend of digital platforms in sports broadcasting, offering fans more accessibility to college football games.
What's Next?
As Fred McNair steps into his role as interim head coach, his immediate challenge will be to stabilize the Southern Jaguars and potentially turn around their season. The team's performance against FAMU will be closely watched as an indicator of McNair's impact. For FAMU, maintaining their momentum with another win could enhance their prospects in the SWAC standings. Both teams will continue their respective schedules with Southern facing Arkansas–Pine Bluff next, while FAMU will prepare for a matchup against Jackson State. The outcomes of these games will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their seasons.
