'Jacks Named 7th Best Team to Watch for a Title Run in 2022
1/26/2022 3:13:00 PM | Football
SFA is building something, and 2021 may prove to be a key stepping stone to becoming a national contender. The Lumberjacks were a balanced squad, ranking No. 17 in scoring defense (19.33 PPG) and No. 12 in scoring offense (34.2 PPG). They finished 8-4 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2014, losing 35-28 in OT to UIW in the first round.
Only three of the 17 All-WAC selections were seniors, and 10 of the All-Conference selections were freshmen and sophomores. This was a young team that saw a breakthrough season.
SFA gets its starting QB, star WR, and top RB back. Trae Self threw for 3,201 yards, 28 TDs, and nine interceptions. All-American WR Xavier Gipson led the FCS in receiving yards (1,377) to go along with 14 TDs. Miles Reed ran for 678 yards and three scores. The Lumberjacks are loaded coming back on defense, returning nine of its top 11 tacklers.
We'll get a good first glimpse of the 2022 squad in Week 0 when SFA plays FBS-transitioning Jacksonville State in the Montgomery Kickoff. The next three games are also solid tests, all on the road — SWAC contender Alcorn State, FBS Louisiana Tech, and Southland contender Nicholls.
Keep an eye on SFA. The program has the potential and the want to be in the FCS title discussion.
