What Is 2011 Alabama A&M Bulldogs football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team represented Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 4–7 record under head coach Anthony Jones. They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and played their home games at Louis Crews Stadium in Huntsville.

Key Facts

The 2011 Alabama A&M Bulldogs finished the season with a 4–7 overall record
They went 3–5 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play
Head coach Anthony Jones led the team in his 7th season
The Bulldogs played home games at Louis Crews Stadium in Huntsville, AL
They did not qualify for the 2011 FCS playoffs

Overview

The 2011 Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team represented Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University during the 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Anthony Jones, who was in his seventh year at the helm. The Bulldogs played their home games at Louis Crews Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama, a venue with a capacity of approximately 25,000.

Despite a promising start in some games, the team struggled to maintain consistency, finishing the season with a 4–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play. They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, marking the fifth consecutive season without a postseason appearance. The season included notable performances but also highlighted challenges in offensive execution and defensive discipline.

Overall record: The team finished 4–7, reflecting a slight decline from the previous season’s 7–5 mark.
Conference performance: In SWAC play, they went 3–5, placing them in the lower half of the Eastern Division standings.
Head coach: Anthony Jones, in his 7th season, led the program but resigned after the 2013 season.
Home stadium: Louis Crews Stadium, located on campus, hosted all home games with average attendance around 8,000.
Postseason: The Bulldogs did not qualify for the 2011 FCS playoffs, which required a winning record and conference standing.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign was marked by narrow losses and inconsistent offensive production. The team showed flashes of potential but failed to string together enough wins to contend for a SWAC title. Several games were decided by less than a touchdown, underscoring the need for improved execution in critical moments.

September 3, 2011: The season opened with a 37–21 loss to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Non-conference struggles: The Bulldogs went 1–4 outside SWAC play, defeating only Kentucky State (34–14).
Offensive stats: Averaged 20.5 points per game, down from 24.8 in 2010 due to quarterback turnover.
Defensive issues: Allowed 28.3 points per game, with particular vulnerability against the run.
Key player: Quarterback Lamar McKissic threw for 1,587 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
Notable win: A 30–23 victory over Prairie View A&M in October provided a highlight in conference play.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2011 season compared to recent years in terms of performance and key metrics:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Postseason	Head Coach
2011	4–7	3–5	None	Anthony Jones
2010	7–5	5–3	None	Anthony Jones
2009	5–6	4–4	None	Anthony Jones
2008	5–6	4–4	None	Anthony Jones
2007	7–4	6–2	SWAC Champions	Anthony Jones

The 2011 season represented a downturn from the team’s peak in 2007, when they won the SWAC Championship and earned an FCS playoff berth. While 2010 showed promise with a 7–5 record, the 2011 campaign saw regression in both offense and defense. The lack of postseason play for five straight years highlighted program stagnation during Jones’ later tenure. Injuries, quarterback instability, and tough non-conference scheduling contributed to the decline.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season is a case study in the challenges faced by HBCU football programs in maintaining competitiveness. Despite passionate fan support and historic rivalries, Alabama A&M struggled with resources and player development compared to larger FCS programs. The season underscored the importance of coaching continuity and recruiting in sustaining success.

Program stability: The 2011 season highlighted the need for long-term strategic planning within the athletic department.
Recruiting impact: Inadequate talent acquisition contributed to inconsistent performance on both sides of the ball.
Conference dynamics: The SWAC’s competitive balance shifted, with teams like Alabama State and Southern improving.
Financial constraints: Limited funding affected travel, facilities, and coaching staff quality.
Player development: Quarterback transitions and offensive line play needed significant improvement.
Historical context: The season followed the peak of 2007 and preceded Jones’ eventual departure in 2014.

Ultimately, the 2011 Alabama A&M Bulldogs season serves as a reminder of the volatility in college football, especially at the FCS level. While not a banner year, it contributed to the broader narrative of rebuilding and reform that would shape the program in the years to come.