What Is 2017 Alcorn State Braves football

Overview

The 2017 Alcorn State Braves football team represented Alcorn State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Braves were led by head coach Jay Hopson, who completed his final season before accepting a position at Southern Miss.

Alcorn State finished the regular season with a 6–6 overall record and a 6–2 mark in SWAC play, securing the SWAC East Division title. The team advanced to the SWAC Championship Game after defeating Jackson State in the semifinal, marking their continued dominance in conference competition.

• Head coach Jay Hopson led the Braves to a 6–6 record before departing for Southern Miss, finishing with a 30–28 record over five seasons.
• The team played its home games at Jack Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi, which has a capacity of 22,500.
• Alcorn State finished second in the SWAC East Division but advanced due to tiebreaker rules after a shared division title.
• The Braves defeated Jackson State 35–28 in the SWAC semifinal on November 25, 2017, to earn a spot in the championship game.
• They lost the SWAC Championship Game 20–17 to Grambling State on December 2, 2017, at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

Performance & Season Breakdown

The 2017 campaign showcased Alcorn State’s resilience in SWAC play despite a challenging non-conference schedule. The Braves opened the season with four consecutive losses but rebounded strongly in conference games, demonstrating their offensive firepower and defensive adjustments.

• Quarterback Lenorris Footman started most games, throwing for 1,421 yards and 10 touchdowns with 7 interceptions on the season.
• Running back De'Angelo Henderson led the rushing attack with 682 yards and 7 touchdowns on 138 carries.
• The Braves' defense recorded 18 total sacks and forced 17 turnovers, including 10 interceptions.
• Alcorn State averaged 27.2 points per game while allowing 26.8 points per game, reflecting a tightly contested season.
• The team’s only non-conference win came against Mississippi Valley State (45–14) on September 16, 2017.
• They suffered early-season losses to UTEP (34–3), McNeese State (37–17), and Mississippi State (57–6).

Comparison at a Glance

Alcorn State’s 2017 performance compared closely with top SWAC teams, particularly Grambling State and Southern University. The table below highlights key season statistics.

Despite identical conference records, Grambling State’s undefeated SWAC run gave them the automatic playoff berth and top seed. Alcorn State’s balanced scoring and defensive improvement highlighted their competitiveness, though inconsistency in non-conference games limited their national standing.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was pivotal for Alcorn State as it marked the end of an era under Jay Hopson and set the stage for future leadership. The team’s deep SWAC run reinforced the program’s status as a conference powerhouse despite broader challenges.

• The Braves’ appearance in the SWAC Championship Game highlighted their elite status within HBCU football, drawing national attention.
• Jay Hopson’s departure signaled a transition period, with Cedric Thomas later named interim head coach.
• Alcorn State’s performance helped boost SWAC visibility during ESPN’s broadcast of the championship game.
• The season demonstrated the importance of conference depth, as SWAC teams often outperform FCS national rankings.
• Player development under Hopson prepared athletes for professional opportunities, including NFL tryouts and CFL interest.
• The close loss to Grambling State emphasized the competitive balance in the SWAC, where margins are often razor-thin.

The 2017 Alcorn State Braves season remains a testament to resilience, conference excellence, and the evolving landscape of HBCU football on the national stage.