What Is 2015 Alcorn State Braves football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Alcorn State Braves football team represented Alcorn State University during the 2015 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 5-6 overall record under head coach Jay Hopson and competing in the SWAC. They played home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi.

Key Facts

The 2015 Alcorn State Braves finished the season with a 5-6 overall record.
They went 4-4 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), placing third in the East Division.
Head coach Jay Hopson led the team for the fourth consecutive season before departing after the season.
Quarterback John Gibbs II started most games, throwing for 1,852 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Alcorn State played home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium, a 22,500-seat venue in Lorman, Mississippi.

Overview

The 2015 Alcorn State Braves football team represented Alcorn State University during the 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Braves were led by head coach Jay Hopson in his fourth and final year at the helm before departing for a position in the NFL.

The team played its home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi, a 22,500-seat venue known for its passionate fanbase. Despite a losing record, the Braves remained competitive in SWAC play, showcasing a strong offensive identity and developing several players who would go on to professional careers.

Record: The Braves finished the 2015 season with a 5-6 overall record and a 4-4 mark in conference play, placing third in the SWAC East Division.
Head Coach: Jay Hopson served as head coach for the final time in 2015, compiling a 27-22 record over four seasons before accepting a role with the San Diego Chargers.
Quarterback: John Gibbs II was the primary starter, completing 155 of 268 passes for 1,852 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the season.
Home Stadium: Casem-Spinks Stadium, located on campus in Lorman, Mississippi, hosted all home games and has a capacity of 22,500 spectators.
Notable Game: Alcorn State defeated Southern 37-14 in the annual Soul Bowl, a key rivalry game that drew over 20,000 fans to the stadium.

Season Performance

The 2015 campaign saw the Braves navigate a challenging SWAC schedule marked by close games and offensive fireworks. While they failed to qualify for the FCS playoffs, their performance reflected a transitional phase as the program prepared for new leadership.

Offensive Output: The team averaged 27.8 points per game, ranking second in the SWAC behind Grambling State’s high-powered attack.
Defensive Struggles: Alcorn State allowed 30.2 points per game, the worst in the conference, highlighting a key area for improvement under new coaching staff.
Key Victory: A 37-14 win over Southern in October was a highlight, securing the Soul Bowl trophy and boosting morale in the conference race.
Rushing Attack: De'Shawn Harris led the ground game with 632 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 138 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
Receiving Leader: Wide receiver Brandon Harris recorded 45 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns, emerging as the top target.
Turnover Margin: The Braves struggled with ball security, finishing with a -6 turnover margin, including 16 lost fumbles and 10 interceptions thrown.

Comparison at a Glance

Alcorn State’s 2015 season can be better understood by comparing key statistics to conference rivals and national FCS averages.

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed
Alcorn State	5-6	4-4	27.8	30.2
Grambling State	9-3	8-0	38.2	20.1
Mississippi Valley State	2-9	2-6	20.5	41.8
Alabama State	5-6	5-3	25.3	29.7
National FCS Average	N/A	N/A	26.7	24.9

The data shows Alcorn State’s offense was above average in the FCS and strong within the SWAC, but their defense ranked among the weakest in the conference. While they matched Alabama State in overall wins, their tougher schedule and defensive lapses prevented a higher finish.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season marked a turning point for Alcorn State football, as it concluded Jay Hopson’s tenure and set the stage for future rebuilding under new leadership. The team’s performance highlighted both talent and areas needing development as the program aimed to remain competitive in the SWAC.

Leadership Transition: Jay Hopson’s departure to join the San Diego Chargers created a vacancy, leading to the hiring of interim coach Cedric Thomas.
Player Development: Several players, including John Gibbs II and De'Shawn Harris, gained valuable experience that would benefit their future careers.
Recruiting Impact: The season influenced recruiting, with the new staff focusing on defensive improvements and depth building.
Conference Relevance: Despite a losing record, Alcorn State remained a factor in the SWAC East due to strong rivalry performances.
Facility Investment: Continued use of Casem-Spinks Stadium emphasized the importance of home-field advantage in HBCU football culture.
Legacy Building: The 2015 season contributed to Alcorn State’s long-standing tradition as one of the most storied programs in HBCU football history.

Though not a championship year, the 2015 Alcorn State Braves season played a crucial role in shaping the program’s trajectory in the years that followed, balancing transition with continued commitment to excellence.