What Is 2017 Alabama State football team

Overview

The 2017 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets were led by head coach Brian Jenkins in his fourth season at the helm.

The team played its home games at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, and finished the season with a losing record. Despite some competitive performances, they failed to reach the postseason, missing out on the SWAC Championship Game and the FCS playoffs.

• Record: The Hornets finished the 2017 season with a 5-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in SWAC conference play.
• Head coach: Brian Jenkins served as head coach, guiding the program through his fourth consecutive season with moderate improvements in conference play.
• Home stadium: Alabama State played its home games at the historic Cramton Bowl, a 24,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Montgomery.
• Offensive performance: The team averaged 24.5 points per game, ranking in the lower half of FCS programs in scoring offense.
• Defensive struggles: Alabama State allowed an average of 31.8 points per game, indicating significant challenges on the defensive side of the ball.

How It Works

The structure and operation of an NCAA Division I FCS football program like Alabama State's involve coaching, player development, scheduling, and conference alignment. Understanding key roles and systems helps clarify how teams like the Hornets compete within the collegiate framework.

• Head Coach: Brian Jenkins was responsible for overall team leadership, game strategy, and player development during the 2017 season. He was hired in 2014 to revitalize the program.
• SWAC Membership: As a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Alabama State played a conference schedule that included teams like Grambling State and Southern University.
• Recruiting: The team relied on regional talent from Alabama and neighboring states, with limited national recruiting reach compared to Power Five programs.
• Eligibility: Players must meet NCAA academic and amateurism standards to participate, including maintaining progress toward a degree and passing credit benchmarks.
• Game Schedule: The 2017 season included 11 games: 6 conference matchups and 5 non-conference contests against teams like Mississippi Valley State and UMass.
• Postseason Eligibility: To qualify for the SWAC Championship or FCS playoffs, teams must meet win thresholds and conference standings criteria, which Alabama State did not achieve.

Comparison at a Glance

Alabama State's 2017 performance can be better understood when compared to peer institutions in the SWAC and FCS level. The table below highlights key statistical and structural comparisons.

The data shows that Alabama State's performance was middle-of-the-pack in the SWAC West Division. While they outperformed Alabama A&M in wins, they fell short of Mississippi Valley State and were far behind dominant Grambling State. Their scoring output was below conference leaders, and defensive lapses contributed to their losing record. The lack of a postseason berth reflected their inconsistent season.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional year for Alabama State football, reflecting both progress and persistent challenges within the SWAC. As a historically Black university, the football program plays a vital role in student engagement, alumni support, and institutional visibility.

• Program Development: The season highlighted the need for stronger recruiting and player retention strategies to remain competitive in the SWAC.
• Conference Rivalries: Games against Southern, Jackson State, and Grambling State draw large crowds and boost school spirit.
• Financial Impact: Football success can increase ticket sales, donations, and scholarship funding for student-athletes.
• Player Exposure: Strong performances can lead to NFL Draft opportunities, as seen with past Hornets players.
• Academic Integration: The team’s performance influences graduation rates and NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) metrics.
• Community Engagement: Home games at the Cramton Bowl serve as major social events for Montgomery residents and alumni.

While the 2017 season did not yield a championship or playoff berth, it provided valuable experience for future growth. The foundation laid during this year contributed to subsequent improvements in program stability and competitiveness.