Mississippi Valley State is picked to finish last in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in this season’s Eastern Division.
That news came out of Birmingham, Alabama, earlier this week at the SWAC media day event. The preseason poll was voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors.
MVSU is coming off a 1-10 season in the first year of the Vincent Dancy era. The Delta Devils went 1-6 in the SWAC to finish in last place — a dubious spot they have been in for the last six years come the end of the season.
Valley was also the only team of the 10 league teams not to place at least one player on the first- or second-team All-SWAC preseason units.
MVSU opens the season Aug. 31 against Tennessee State in Nashville. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Alcorn State (92) is picked to finish in first place with Alabama A&M (70), Jackson State (61), Alabama State (47) and then Mississippi Valley State (30) behind the Braves.
The league predicted Alcorn State to repeat as champions, beating Southern in the conference title game.
The Jaguars came in ahead of Prairie View A&M (78 votes), Grambling (74), Texas Southern (34) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (24).
