Jackson State and Jacksonville State: Unbeaten Season Expectations in the 2022-2023 Football Season
The title of an unbeaten season is always a dream for every college football team. This year, two well-known FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) universities, Jackson State University and Jacksonville State University, are vying for that accolade. Let's explore their chances and the prediction of an undefeated season for both teams.
Distinguishing Between Jackson State University and Jacksonville State University
Here comes the first question: which JSU do you mean? Easily confused because they both have a rich history in FCS football. Jackson State University (JSU) is located in Jackson, Mississippi, while Jacksonville State University (JSU for this context) is in Jacksonville, Alabama. Both universities have produced some outstanding football programs, with the Tigers of Jackson State often taking the spotlight due to their consistent performances.
Jackson State University: A Strong Prospect for an Unbeaten Season
Jackson State has had a remarkable season last year, losing only two games. With a manageable schedule ahead, the Tigers (nicknamed the Tigers) have a decent shot at going undefeated. They face off against a mix of SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) opponents and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), all of which are within their capability to handle.
One of the highlights of the Tigers' recent performance was their undefeated season, only to lose the Black College National Championship after an outage in the Celebration Bowl. This year, the key will be their performance in such crucial games. However, they also have a tricky encounter with Campbell University on the horizon. Campbell, another FCS powerhouse, has been aggressively recruiting and has landed a better recruiting class than JSU. Although Campbell is coming to Jackson, this game serves as a testament to the Fighting Camels' efforts to draw attention to their program. Campbell's goal, as mentioned, is to quickly move up to FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and this game is part of their marketing strategy.
Considering all these factors, Jackson State likely has about a 25 percent chance of running the table. Their schedule includes some tough opponents, as well as a manageable set of games. Their performance against better FCS teams and HBCUs will be the key to their success.
Jacksonville State University: Higher Hurdles to Overcome
On the other hand, Jacksonville State (JSU hereafter) is coming off an 5-6 season. In 2023, they are expected to transition to FBS football, which presents a significant challenge. Despite this, they have made a bold move by hiring Rich Rodriguez, a well-known coach in the college football world. Rodriguez's experience and reputation will certainly help Jacksonville State, making them a strong contender in the FCS before their FBS transition.
One of the biggest obstacles to an unbeaten season for Jacksonville State is their game against Tulsa, an established FBS program. Given this, it is highly unlikely that Jacksonville State will go undefeated. However, predicting a close result, given the FBS experience of their opponents, they still have a decent chance of having a winning season.
Specifically, my expectation for Jacksonville State is a good season, with a maximum of about a 2 percent chance of winning all 11 games on their schedule. This calculation is based on the higher FBS experience and the transition to the FBS level, which has a significant impact on their season.
Conclusion
To conclude, while Jackson State has a better shot at an undefeated season with their manageable FCS schedule and limited exposure to FBS programs, Jacksonville State is more likely to have a winning season rather than an undefeated one due to their FBS experience and transition.
Both universities have their strengths and challenges, making their respective seasons unpredictable and exciting for fans and football enthusiasts alike.