What Is 2007 Alabama State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University in the 2007 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Houston Mark Nelson. They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and advanced to the SWAC Championship Game.

Key Facts

The 2007 Alabama State Hornets finished the season with a 7–4 overall record
Head coach Houston Mark Nelson led the team during the 2007 season
Alabama State played in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
The Hornets advanced to the 2007 SWAC Championship Game
They defeated Southern 38–34 in the SWAC title game on December 1, 2007

Overview

The 2007 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2007 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets were led by head coach Houston Mark Nelson and achieved notable success, culminating in a trip to the SWAC Championship Game.

The team played its home games at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, and showcased strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the season. Their campaign was highlighted by a decisive victory in the conference championship, marking a significant achievement in the program’s history.

Record: The Hornets finished the 2007 season with a 7–4 overall record and a 6–2 mark in SWAC play, securing a spot in the championship game.
SWAC Championship: On December 1, 2007, Alabama State defeated Southern University 38–34 to win the SWAC title, their first since joining the conference.
Head Coach: Houston Mark Nelson was in his third season as head coach and earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors for guiding the team to the title.
Offensive Standout: Quarterback Chris Davis threw for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, anchoring one of the SWAC’s most efficient passing attacks.
Defensive Performance: The defense recorded 18 takeaways, including 12 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries, helping secure key wins.

Key Players & Performances

The 2007 Hornets roster featured several standout athletes who contributed significantly to the team’s success. From explosive offensive plays to critical defensive stops, individual performances shaped the team’s momentum throughout the season.

Chris Davis (QB): Threw for 2,147 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the SWAC in passing efficiency with a 138.6 rating.
Marquis Jackson (WR): Caught 45 passes for 732 yards and 6 touchdowns, emerging as Davis’s top receiving target.
Jermaine Hardy (RB): Rushed for 892 yards and 9 touchdowns, providing balance to the offense with consistent ground production.
Antonio Coleman (LB): Recorded 87 tackles and 5.5 sacks, anchoring the defense and earning All-SWAC honors.
Keon Walker (DB): Led the secondary with 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups, playing a key role in crucial defensive stands.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2007 Alabama State Hornets’ performance against key SWAC rivals during the regular season:

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Head Coach	Result vs. Alabama State
Alabama State	7–4	6–2	Houston Mark Nelson	–
Grambling State	7–5	6–2	Doug Williams	Lost 27–24
Southern	7–5	6–2	Richie Riley	Lost 38–34 (Championship)
Alcorn State	4–7	4–4	Jay Hopson	Won 31–17
Jackson State	5–6	4–4	Harvey Jackson	Won 24–17

The table illustrates how Alabama State matched up against its conference competition. Despite tying for the best SWAC record with Grambling and Southern, the Hornets secured the championship berth due to tiebreaker rules. Their victory over Southern in the title game solidified their status as the top team in the SWAC that year, overcoming a regular-season loss to Grambling with a resilient postseason run.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season was a landmark year for Alabama State football, marking a resurgence in the program’s competitiveness within the SWAC. The championship win elevated the school’s national profile and energized the fanbase, setting a foundation for future success.

Historic Achievement: It was Alabama State’s first SWAC football title since 1991, ending a 16-year drought and reigniting pride in the program.
Recruiting Boost: The championship appearance helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years, improving roster depth.
Financial Impact: Increased ticket sales and merchandise revenue followed the title run, benefiting the athletic department.
Coaching Recognition: Houston Mark Nelson received a contract extension and was named SWAC Coach of the Year for his leadership.
Legacy Building: The 2007 team became a benchmark for future Hornets squads, inspiring a culture of excellence.
National Exposure: The SWAC Championship Game was televised, giving Alabama State broader visibility across HBCU football networks.

The success of the 2007 Alabama State Hornets remains a defining moment in the school’s athletic history. With a combination of strong leadership, standout individual performances, and a championship mindset, the team set a standard for future generations of Hornets football.