Alcorn State University has a football team called the Braves, and they compete in a college football division known as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
The Braves are part of a conference called the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
In this article, we will be discussing Alcorn State Football’s historical classifications, postseason participation, members of the College Football Hall of Fame, coaching legacy, and more. So, relax as we kick off this journey together!
2023 Alcorn State Braves football team
First season – 1921
Head coach – Cedric Thomas
Stadium – Casem-Spinks Stadium(capacity: 22,500)
Field surface – Natural grass
Location – Lorman, Mississippi
Conference – Southwestern Athletic Conference
Division – East
Record – 497–389–38 (.558)
Conference titles – 13 (SWAC: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1984, 1992, 1994, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019)
Division titles – 6 (SWAC East: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Colours – Purple and gold
Website – alcornsports.con
Alcorn State Football’s Historical Classifications
In the past:
• From 1964 to 1969, they were in NAIA.
• Between 1970 and 1983, they belonged to NAIA Division I.
• From 1965 to 1972, they participated in the NCAA College Division.
• In 1973–1976, they were part of NCAA Division II.
• In 1977, they moved to NCAA Division I.
• Since 1978, they’ve been in NCAA Division I–AA/FCS.
Conference Memberships:
• From 1921 to 1935, they played independently.
• Between 1935 and 1962, they were part of the South Central Athletic Conference.
• Since 1962, they have been members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Championships
Black College National Championships
Alcorn State has secured five Black college football national championships.
• In 1968, under Coach Marino Casem, they clinched the title with a 9–1 overall record in the SWAC.
• The following year, 1969, Coach Marino Casem led them to another championship with an 8–0–1 record in the SWAC.
• In 1974, they shared the Black College National co-championships under Coach Marino Casem, boasting a 9–2 record in the SWAC.
• 1984 witnessed another triumph as they became Black College National Champions with a 9–1 record under Coach Marino Casem in the SWAC.
• The most recent victory was in 2014 when Coach Jay Hopson guided them to a Black College National Championship with a 10–3 record in the SWAC.
SWAC Championships
Since Alcorn State joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1962, they have earned thirteen conference championships, with nine outright victories and four shared titles.
• In the 1968 season, under Coach Marino Casem, they secured the SWAC championship with a 9–1 overall record and a 6–1 conference record.
• The following year, 1969, they continued their success, claiming the conference championship with an 8–0–1 overall record and a 6–0–1 conference record.
• 1970 witnessed another triumph, as they clinched the championship with an 8–1 overall record and a 6–0 conference record.
• In 1974, under Coach Marino Casem, they shared the conference championship with a 9–2 overall record and a 5–1 conference record.
• 1976 marked another victory, with an 8–2 overall record and a 5–1 conference record.
• 1979 brought another shared championship, boasting an 8–2 overall record and a 5–1 conference record.
• In 1984, they claimed the championship with a 9–1 overall record and a perfect 7–0 conference record.
• Under Coach Cardell Jones, the Braves secured championships in 1992 (7–4 overall, 7–0 conference) and 1994 (8–3–1 overall, 6–1 conference).
• Coach Jay Hopson led them to victory in 2014 (10–3 overall, 7–2 conference) and 2015 (9–4 overall, 7–2 conference).
• In 2018 and 2019, under Coach Fred McNair, they clinched championships with 9–4 overall records and 6–1 conference records.
Postseason Participations
In the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs, the Braves made three appearances but faced tough challenges, ending with an overall record of 0–3.
• In 1984, during the Quarterfinals, they encountered Louisiana Tech and unfortunately lost with a score of 21–44.
• The 1992 First Round brought a match against Northeast Louisiana, resulting in a challenging defeat with a score of 27–78.
• Similarly, in the 1994 First Round, they faced Youngstown State, experiencing a tough loss with a score of 20–63.
In the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Braves made a single appearance, but unfortunately, they couldn’t secure a victory, ending with an overall record of 0–1.
• Their lone appearance was in 1974 during the Quarterfinals, facing UNLV and experiencing a defeat with a score of 22–35.
Rivalry Showdowns
Alcorn State Braves face off against the Jackson State Tigers in the Soul Bowl. While the rivalry was once known as the Capital City Classic, Alcorn decided to move the event to Lorman in 2012, concluding the Classic.
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Alcorn State Football’s members of the College Football Hall of Fame.
• Marino Casem
• Steve McNair
• Dennis Thomas
NFL Representation
More than 50 Alcorn State alumni have contributed their talents to the NFL, and some notable names among them include:
• Milton Barney
• Charles Coleman
• Donald Driver
• Leonard Fairley
• Leslie Frazier
• Marcus Hinton
• Billy Howard
• Nate Hughes
• Garry Lewis
• Steve McNair
• Bryant Mix
• Lawrence Pillers
• Alex Price
• Jack Spinks
• Roynell Young
• Henry Bradley
• Willie Young
Coaching Legacy at Alcorn State Football
Over its history, Alcorn State has been guided by 21 head football coaches. Each coach contributed to the program’s journey, with the most recent leader being Fred McNair. However, the current coach not included in this list is Cedric Thomas, who is the 22nd head coach.
• Octavius T. Henderson (1921) – 4–0 record, 1.000 win percentage.
• O.A. Ross (1922–1933) – 44–15–11 record, 0.629 win percentage.
• W. Morton (1934–1935) – 1–7–1 record, 0.125 win percentage.
• A. A. Abraham (1936, 1938, 1941–1942) – 14–8–7 record, 0.483 win percentage.
• L. Harris (1937, 1939–1940) – 10–10–1 record, 0.476 win percentage.
• J. Anderson (1945) – 0.2 record, 0.000 win percentage.
• Reuben Alba (1946) – 1–8 record, 0.111 win percentage.
• W. Felix “Lerroy” Harris (1947) – 9–1 record, 0.900 win percentage.
• Dwight Fisher (1948–1956) – 52–35–7 record, 0.553 win percentage.
• W. Broadus (1957) – 0–5 record, 0.000 win percentage.
• E. E. Simmons (1958–1959) – 3–14 record, 0.176 win percentage.
• Franklin Purnell (1960–1963) – 14–20 record, 0.412 win percentage.
• Marino Casem (1964–1985) – 138–71–8 record, 0.636 win percentage.
• Theo Danzy (1986–1990) – 26–22 record, 0.542 win percentage.
• Cardell Jones (1991–1997) – 41–32–3 record, 0.539 win percentage.
• Johnny Thomas (1998–2007) – 48–61 record, 0.440 win percentage.
• Ernest T. Jones (2008) – 2–10 record, 0.167 win percentage.
• Earnest Collins (2009–2010) – 8–12 record, 0.400 win percentage.
• Melvin Spears (2011) – 2–8 record, 0.200 win percentage.
• Jay Hopson (2012–2015) – 19–17 record, 0.528 win percentage.
• Fred McNair (2016–2023) – 48–33 record, 0.593 win percentage.
Conclusion
Alcorn State Football boasts a rich history, encompassing championship victories, Hall of Fame recognition, and a diverse coaching legacy. From historic classifications to postseason journeys, the Braves have left an indelible mark in college football.
FAQs about Alcorn State Football
Q: When did Alcorn State University join the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)?
Ans: Alcorn State joined the SWAC in 1962.
Q: Who is the current head coach of Alcorn State Football?
Ans: the current coach of Alcorn State Football is Cedric Thomas, who is the 22nd head coach.
Q: How many Black college football national championships has Alcorn State won?
Ans: Alcorn State has secured five Black college football national championships.
Q: How many SWAC championships has Alcorn State earned since joining in 1962?
Ans: Alcorn State has earned thirteen SWAC championships, with nine outright victories and four shared titles.
Q: Are there any Alcorn State alumni who have played in the NFL?
Ans: Yes, more than 50 Alcorn State alumni have played in the NFL, including notable names like Steve McNair and Donald Driver.