What Is 2013 Alabama State Hornets football

Overview

The 2013 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Led by head coach Reggie Barlow in his sixth year, the team competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), aiming to secure a conference title and improve upon previous seasons’ performances.

The Hornets played their home games at ASU Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, a venue with a capacity of approximately 26,500. Despite a challenging non-conference schedule, the team showed resilience in SWAC play, finishing with a 7–5 overall record and a 6–2 mark in conference games, earning a spot in the SWAC Championship Game.

• The Hornets finished the 2013 season with a 7–5 overall record, including a strong 6–2 performance in SWAC conference play that secured a division title.
• Head coach Reggie Barlow led the program for the sixth consecutive season, building on his reputation for developing competitive SWAC teams.
• Alabama State played its home games at ASU Stadium, a 26,500-seat facility in Montgomery that has been the team’s home since 1999.
• The team competed in the SWAC West Division, facing rivals such as Jackson State, Southern, and Prairie View A&M during conference play.
• They advanced to the SWAC Championship Game on December 7, 2013, where they were defeated by Grambling State, 27–7, ending their title hopes.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of non-conference challenges and high-stakes SWAC matchups that tested the Hornets’ depth and discipline. The team demonstrated offensive improvement compared to prior years, though defensive consistency remained an issue in key games.

• Offensive output: The Hornets averaged 27.8 points per game over 12 games, led by quarterback Amari Coleman and running back LeDayvis Brown.
• Defensive struggles: They allowed 28.3 points per game, including four games where opponents scored 30 or more points.
• Non-conference record: Alabama State went 2–3 outside SWAC play, losing to FBS opponent UAB and FCS teams like Bethune-Cookman.
• SWAC dominance: The team won 6 of 8 conference games, including decisive victories over Alabama A&M (31–14) and Mississippi Valley State (45–14).
• Championship appearance: Their 6–2 SWAC record earned them a spot in the December 7 SWAC title game against Grambling State in Birmingham.
• Final game outcome: The Hornets were defeated 27–7 by Grambling State in the championship, marking the end of their postseason hopes.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2013 Hornets compared to recent seasons and conference peers:

The 2013 season marked a clear turnaround from the struggling 2012 campaign. With a 7–5 record and a conference championship appearance, it was one of the more successful years under Barlow’s tenure. The team’s consistency in SWAC play highlighted improvements in coaching and player development, though the lopsided loss in the title game underscored remaining gaps in competitiveness against top-tier conference teams.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was significant for Alabama State football as it signaled a resurgence in the program’s competitiveness within the SWAC. It helped maintain fan engagement and laid groundwork for future recruiting and conference relevance.

• Program momentum: The 7–5 record was the team’s best since 2008, boosting morale and visibility for the football program.
• Recruiting impact: Success on the field helped attract higher-caliber high school athletes from Alabama and Mississippi.
• SWAC exposure: The championship game appearance was televised, increasing national exposure for HBCU athletics.
• Coach stability: Barlow’s leadership through improvement solidified his position as a long-term figure in the program.
• Financial benefits: Postseason participation brought increased ticket sales and conference revenue shares.
• Alumni engagement: A competitive season reignited interest among alumni and donors, supporting athletic department initiatives.

The 2013 Alabama State Hornets season, while ending short of a title, remains a benchmark year for progress and potential under Reggie Barlow’s leadership. It demonstrated that sustained improvement was possible, setting expectations for future success in the SWAC.