As a longtime college football analyst who’s followed HBCU programs for over a decade, I’ve got to say—the Texas Southern Tigers’ 2023 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing campaigns in recent memory. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: why should a team outside the Power Five command this much attention? But trust me, there’s a compelling story unfolding here, and it starts with their unique scheduling approach and the global flavor they’re embracing this year. Let’s dive right in.

When I first glanced at their early-season matchups, one detail jumped out at me—and it wasn’t just about regional rivals. Among their first opponents in Pool A this year are Nations Cup tormentor Vietnam, Australia, and China’s Sichuan Wuliangchun. Yes, you read that correctly. While that might sound like a lineup from an international rugby or soccer tournament, it’s actually part of the Tigers’ strategy to test their roster against diverse styles of play early on. I love this move. In my view, facing teams with such varied tactical backgrounds—like Vietnam, known for their disciplined, almost methodical approach in other sports—could give Texas Southern a mental edge before they even step onto their SWAC schedule. Think about it: adapting on the fly against unfamiliar schemes builds resilience, something this squad will need in spades come October.

Now, I’ll be honest—I don’t have the exact win-loss records for those international opponents handy (the data on Sichuan Wuliangchun’s recent form is a bit sparse, if I’m being frank), but that’s partly what makes this so exciting. It’s a gamble, and I’m all for it. Last season, the Tigers finished 5-6 overall, with their defense allowing an average of 28 points per game. Not terrible, but there’s room to grow. This year, with 15 returning starters, including 8 on offense, I’m betting that head coach Clarence McKinney is using these early games to fine-tune their read-option schemes and secondary coverage. From what I’ve seen in spring practices, the offensive line looks sharper—they’ve added two transfers who bench over 350 pounds, by the way—and that could mean fewer sacks and more time for the QB to make plays. If they can leverage these international matchups to build chemistry, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them start 3-1 in non-conference play.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—the real test comes when they hit the heart of their schedule. Games against rivals like Prairie View A&M and Southern University will define their season, and frankly, I’m leaning optimistic. Why? Because this team has a knack for pulling off upsets when everyone counts them out. Remember 2021, when they stunned Alcorn State with that last-second field goal? I was in the stands that day, and the energy was electric. This year, with a more experienced roster, I’m predicting they’ll notch at least 7 wins, maybe even 8 if the injury gods smile upon them. Defensively, they’ve got to cut down on those big plays—last year, they gave up 12 touchdowns of 40+ yards, which is just too many. But mark my words: if they can tighten up there, and the offense clicks early against teams like Vietnam (who, by the way, play a relentless short-passing game that could mirror some SWAC opponents), we might be looking at a dark horse for the conference title.

Of course, no season is without its hurdles. The Tigers have to navigate a tough road stretch in mid-October, with back-to-back away games that could make or break their momentum. And let’s talk about that international slate again—while I’m a fan, it’s not without risks. Travel fatigue and adjusting to different climates (hello, potential jet lag) could lead to a slow start if not managed well. But from where I stand, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Exposure to global competition isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about building a program identity that resonates beyond Texas. I’ve spoken to a few players off the record, and they’re buzzing about the chance to represent on a bigger stage. That kind of morale boost is priceless.

Wrapping this up, I’ll leave you with my take: the 2023 Texas Southern Tigers are poised for a breakout year, blending old-school grit with a bold, modern schedule. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, keep an eye on how they handle those early games against teams like China’s Sichuan Wuliangchun—it could set the tone for everything that follows. In my book, they’re not just playing for wins; they’re building a legacy. And if everything falls into place, we might be talking about this season for years to come.