What Is 1987 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 1987 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.

Key Facts

The 1987 Alcorn State football team had a final record of 7 wins and 4 losses.
Head coach Marino Casem led the team during his 15th season at the helm.
Alcorn State won the 1987 SWAC football championship.
The team defeated Mississippi Valley State 41-27 in the SWAC Championship Game.
Quarterback Steve McNair, a future NFL star, was a freshman on the team.

Overview

The 1987 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, marking a significant year in the program's history. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Marino Casem, who was in his 15th season guiding the program.

Under Casem’s leadership, the Braves posted a 7-4 overall record and captured the SWAC championship, showcasing a powerful offense and disciplined defense. The season culminated in a decisive 41-27 victory over Mississippi Valley State in the conference title game, solidifying Alcorn State’s dominance in the league.

Record of 7-4: The team finished with a winning season, including key conference wins that propelled them into the SWAC title game.
SWAC Champions: Alcorn State claimed the 1987 SWAC football championship, their first since 1984, highlighting a resurgence in program strength.
Marino Casem’s leadership: As head coach since 1974, Casem brought stability and strategic depth, earning SWAC Coach of the Year recognition.
Steve McNair’s debut: Future NFL quarterback Steve McNair played as a freshman, throwing for over 2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns in his debut season.
Home games at Casem Stadium: Named after the coach, the stadium in Lorman, Mississippi, provided a strong home-field advantage throughout the season.

Season Highlights

The 1987 campaign was marked by pivotal performances and breakthrough moments, especially from young talent. The team’s offense, led by McNair, became one of the most dynamic in the SWAC, while the defense held opponents to under 20 points per game on average.

Steve McNair’s freshman impact: Threw for 2,230 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning SWAC Freshman of the Year honors.
SWAC Championship Game: Defeated Mississippi Valley State 41-27, securing the conference title with a balanced offensive attack.
Key win over Southern: A 24-17 victory over Southern University was a turning point in the SWAC standings.
Defensive strength: The Braves forced 28 turnovers, including 16 interceptions, led by All-SWAC defensive backs.
Postseason absence: Despite winning the SWAC, Alcorn State did not receive an invitation to the I-AA playoffs due to NCAA selection criteria.
Recruiting class: The 1987 season laid the foundation for future success, with several recruits later becoming NFL players.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1987 Alcorn State team with other top SWAC teams that season reveals its dominance in key statistical categories.

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Points For	Points Against
Alcorn State	7-4	6-1	278	189
Mississippi Valley State	7-4	5-2	241	212
Southern	6-5	4-3	210	198
Grambling State	5-6	4-3	192	204
Jackson State	4-7	3-4	176	221

The table shows Alcorn State led the SWAC in both win percentage and scoring margin. Their 6-1 conference record was the best in the league, and they outscored opponents by nearly 90 points over the season. This statistical edge underscored their championship credentials and offensive efficiency.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season was a pivotal moment in Alcorn State football history, setting the stage for future success and national recognition. It marked the emergence of Steve McNair, who would go on to become a Heisman Trophy finalist and NFL Pro Bowler.

Launch of Steve McNair’s career: His freshman season laid the foundation for one of the most decorated careers in HBCU football history.
Revival of the program: After a few down years, the 1987 title signaled a return to national prominence for Alcorn State.
SWAC legacy: The championship strengthened Alcorn’s reputation as a powerhouse in historically Black college football.
Recruiting momentum: Success on the field helped attract top-tier talent to the program in subsequent years.
Coaching legacy: Marino Casem cemented his status as one of the greatest coaches in SWAC history.
Historical significance: The season is remembered as a turning point that elevated HBCU football visibility in the late 1980s.

The 1987 Alcorn State football team remains a benchmark for excellence in SWAC history, combining championship success with the development of future professional talent. Its legacy endures in the annals of HBCU sports.