What Is 1983 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1983 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Marino Casem. The team competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and won the conference championship. This marked Alcorn State's third SWAC title in four years during a dominant era for the program.

Key Facts

The 983 Alcorn State football team finished with a 7-4 overall record
They were led by head coach Marino Casem, in his 14th season
The team won the 1983 SWAC championship
Alcorn State defeated Southern 27-24 in the 1983 SWAC title game
Quarterback Steve McNair was not on the 1983 team; he played a decade later

Overview

The 1983 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Marino Casem, who was in his 14th season at the helm. The Braves finished the year with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play, securing the SWAC championship.

Alcorn State's 1983 campaign was part of a golden era for the program, which saw the Braves dominate the SWAC throughout the early 1980s. The team's success culminated in a 27-24 victory over Southern University in the SWAC championship game, clinching the conference title. This victory marked Alcorn State's third SWAC championship in four years, highlighting the program's sustained excellence.

7-4 overall record: The 1983 Alcorn State Braves finished the season with seven wins and four losses, demonstrating consistent performance against both conference and non-conference opponents.
SWAC champions: Alcorn State won the 1983 Southwestern Athletic Conference title, finishing first in the league standings with a 5-1 conference record.
Marino Casem as head coach: In his 14th season, Casem led the team with strategic discipline and developed numerous players who went on to professional careers.
Championship game victory: The Braves defeated Southern University 27-24 in the decisive SWAC matchup, a game that solidified their dominance in the conference.
Historical context: The 1983 season was part of a four-year stretch from 1980 to 1983 in which Alcorn State won three SWAC titles under Casem’s leadership.

Season Highlights and Key Games

The 1983 season featured several pivotal matchups that defined Alcorn State’s path to the SWAC championship. The team showed resilience in close games and dominated weaker opponents, showcasing a balanced offense and a disciplined defense. Their schedule included both in-state rivals and regional powerhouses, testing their depth and adaptability.

Opening victory: Alcorn State began the season with a 31-14 win over Mississippi Valley State, setting the tone for a strong conference campaign.
Key non-conference loss: A 24-10 defeat to Grambling State early in the season was one of only four losses and highlighted areas for improvement.
Mid-season surge: The Braves won four consecutive SWAC games, including a 20-17 win over Jackson State, a key rivalry contest.
Defensive strength: The team allowed just 18.6 points per game, ranking among the top defenses in the I-AA Southwestern region.
Offensive consistency: Alcorn State averaged 26.4 points per game, powered by a strong running game and efficient quarterback play.
Championship-clinching game: The 27-24 win over Southern University in late November secured the SWAC title and capped a successful season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1983 Alcorn State team can be compared to other SWAC champions of the era to understand its place in conference history. The table below highlights key metrics from select seasons.

Year	Record	SWAC Record	Head Coach	Championship Result
1983	7-4	5-1	Marino Casem	Won SWAC title vs. Southern (27-24)
1982	7-4	5-1	Marino Casem	Won SWAC title
1981	6-5	4-2	Marino Casem	Did not win title
1980	8-3	6-0	Marino Casem	Won SWAC title
1979	7-4	5-1	Marino Casem	Won SWAC title

The 1983 season continued Alcorn State’s dominance in the SWAC under Marino Casem, who built a powerhouse program during his tenure. While the team didn’t reach the national championship game, their consistent conference performance placed them among the elite HBCU programs of the era. The 1983 title added to a legacy of excellence that defined Alcorn football in the 1980s.

Why It Matters

The 1983 Alcorn State football team represents a significant chapter in the history of historically Black college football. Their success contributed to the visibility and prestige of HBCU programs during a time when national media coverage was limited. The team’s achievements helped inspire future generations of athletes and reinforced Alcorn State’s reputation as a football powerhouse.

Legacy of Marino Casem: Casem, known as “The Godfather,” built a lasting legacy at Alcorn State, mentoring countless players and coaches.
HBCU excellence: The 1983 championship reinforced the competitive strength of SWAC programs on the national stage.
Player development: The program served as a pipeline for professional football, with several players going on to NFL careers.
Rivalry intensity: Games against Southern, Jackson State, and Grambling State drew large crowds and national attention.
Community pride: Success on the field boosted school spirit and alumni engagement across the region.
Historical recognition: The 1983 season is remembered as part of Alcorn State’s golden era, often cited in program retrospectives.

The 1983 Alcorn State football team’s championship run remains a point of pride for the university and its fans. It exemplifies the tradition of excellence that defines HBCU athletics and continues to inspire current and future Braves.