2021 FCS Season Preview: Stephen F. Austin

On By Rob Butler

Stephen F. Austin (6-4) had an encouraging fall season. SFA named itself Southland Conference Fall Champions after beating Abilene Christian – the only other SLC team to play in the fall.

Now, the ‘Jacks are back for the real thing in the WAC.

Receiver Xavier Gipson and quarterback Trae Self have built a special connection through two seasons, combining for more than 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns in just 20 games. The front seven should take another step forward with another year of development and give SFA a chance to compete for the conference title.

Impact Players

WR Xavier Gipson: Proven to be one of the state’s top receiving targets at any level with more than 1,700 yards and 16 TDs in two seasons.

DE B.J. Thompson: The Baylor transfer exploded with 8.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and four QB hurries in is SFA debut.

QB Trae Self: Heading into his third year as a starter after clearing 2,000 passing yards each of the past two seasons on rebuilding offenses.

Key Game: October 2 vs. Sam Houston (at NRG in Houston)

Stephen F. Austin

HomeTime/ResultsAwayVenueMatch Day TV/Streaming Highlights
Homer Bryce Stadium
Nacogdoches, TX - -
Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX - -
Homer Bryce Stadium
Nacogdoches, TX - -
Homer Bryce Stadium
Nacogdoches, TX - -
NRG Stadium
Houston, TX - -
JSU Stadium
Jacksonville, AL - -
Greater Zion Stadium
St. George, UT - -
Homer Bryce Stadium
Nacogdoches, TX - -
Homer Bryce Stadium
Nacogdoches, TX - -
Estes Stadium
Conway, AR - -
Provost Umphrey Stadium
Beaumont, TX - -

Worst Case: Back-to-back losses to Sam Houston and Jacksonville State in early October have the Jacks spiral out of control and limp to a sub-.500 season.

Best Case: SFA builds off their strong fall 2020 session, and behind the chemistry of Self and Gipson set themselves up for a real shot to knock off one (or both) of Sam or JSU – and then, possibly, the FCS Playoffs?

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