BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Southwestern Athletic Conference coaches expect Jackson State to win its division, even if somebody else will take the Tigers’ spot in the league championship game.

Coach Rick Comegy’s team was picked to win the East at Tuesday’s SWAC media day, less than two weeks after the league voted to ban both Jackson State and Southern from competing for the title because of low APR scores.

“We’re going to go out there and play our style of football, and our style of football is winning football,” said Comegy, whose program is celebrating its 100th year. “I know there’s going to be a lot of teams that it’s going to give them some motivation, but we’re Jackson State and we’ve always had a reputation. I think we’re the team to beat.”

Grambling State was the pick of coaches and reporters to win the West in coach Doug Williams’ first season back at his alma mater.

The NCAA banned both Jackson State and Southern from the postseason but considers the SWAC game an extension of the regular season.

Jackson State, which has won 16 SWAC titles, is led quarterback Casey Therriault, a Walter Payton Award finalist who is picked to repeat as SWAC offensive player of the year.

“We’re still very motivated,” defensive end Donavan Robinson said. “This team’s motivated for each other. We’re just not going to let one game dominate our season. We’re still wanting to win.”

Comegy said he encourages his players to focus on creating a memorable season.

“The only message we can give them is what’s in front of us. This is their team,” he said. “We can’t worry about hardware right now. We’ve got to worry about where you want your team to be. If you’re seniors, how do you want to go out? That’s all they’ve got to worry about. Hardware breaks up. I’ve got trophies in my house that are broken up sitting on the floor. But I’ve got memories of the greatness of the guys that I played with, and that’s what they’re going to have.”