What Is 2011 Alabama State football team

Overview

The 2011 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets were led by head coach Anthony Jones in his final year at the helm before retirement.

The team showed resilience throughout the season, finishing with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-3 conference mark. Their performance secured a spot in the SWAC Championship Game, where they claimed the conference title with a dramatic win.

• Record: The Hornets finished the 2011 season with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in SWAC play, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the year.
• Head Coach: Anthony Jones served as head coach in his 11th and final season, retiring after leading the program to a conference title in 2011.
• Championship Game: Alabama State defeated Southern 30-28 in the SWAC Championship Game on December 3, 2011, securing their first conference title since 2004.
• Quarterback: Amari Coleman started at quarterback, throwing for 1,876 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 58.7% of his passes during the season.
• Home Stadium: The team played home games at Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, which has a seating capacity of approximately 26,500 spectators.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign was marked by key victories and a strong defensive effort, particularly in the second half of the season. Alabama State entered the SWAC Championship Game as West Division champions after a tightly contested conference race.

• September 3, 2011: The Hornets opened the season with a 31-14 win over Mississippi Valley State, setting a positive tone early in the year.
• Midseason Struggles: After starting 3-1, the team lost three of their next four games, including defeats to Jackson State and Grambling State.
• Defensive Strength: The defense recorded 18 sacks and forced 17 turnovers, with linebacker A.J. Hill leading the unit with 87 tackles.
• Offensive Output: Alabama State averaged 26.5 points per game, ranking them among the top offensive units in the SWAC during the 2011 season.
• Key Rivalry Win: A 28-21 victory over Alabama A&M in late October proved crucial in securing the West Division title.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2011 Alabama State Hornets against key SWAC rivals in major statistical categories:

The table highlights Alabama State’s strong conference performance despite a slightly lower overall win total than Southern. Their victory in the championship game underscored their ability to peak at the right time, even with fewer regular-season wins than some rivals.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a milestone for Alabama State football, marking a return to conference prominence after a seven-year gap since their last SWAC title. It also served as a fitting finale for coach Anthony Jones, who retired with a legacy of rebuilding the program.

• Historic Win: The 2011 SWAC Championship victory was the first for Alabama State since 2004, ending a seven-year title drought in the conference.
• Coach’s Legacy: Anthony Jones retired with a 65-51 overall record, making him one of the winningest coaches in school history.
• Player Development: Several players from the 2011 roster went on to sign professional contracts or play in NFL camps.
• Recruiting Boost: The championship win enhanced the program’s visibility, aiding future recruiting efforts in Alabama and across the South.
• Community Pride: The season sparked renewed enthusiasm among alumni and fans, boosting attendance and school spirit.
• Program Momentum: The success laid the foundation for continued competitiveness in the SWAC in subsequent seasons.

The 2011 Alabama State football team remains a significant chapter in the school’s athletic history, symbolizing resilience, leadership, and the culmination of years of rebuilding under consistent coaching.