What Is 2019 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 2019 NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record and 4–4 in SWAC play under head coach Cedric Thomas.

Key Facts

The 2019 Alcorn State football team finished with a 5–6 overall record
They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and went 4–4 in conference play
Head coach Cedric Thomas led the team in his first full season after taking over mid-2018
The team played home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi
Alcorn State did not qualify for the SWAC Championship Game or FCS playoffs in 2019

Overview

The 2019 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Competing in the West Division, the team was led by head coach Cedric Thomas, who was in his first full season after being promoted from interim status following Jay Hopson's departure in 2018.

The Braves showed improvement in several areas compared to the previous season, particularly on offense, but fell short of postseason eligibility. Despite a balanced schedule featuring both conference and non-conference opponents, the team ended the year with a losing record and did not qualify for the SWAC Championship Game.

Record: The team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in SWAC play, marking a one-game improvement from 2018.
Home Venue: Alcorn State played its home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium, a 30,595-seat stadium located on campus in Lorman, Mississippi.
Head Coach: Cedric Thomas served as head coach for the full season, having taken over midway through 2018 with a focus on stabilizing the program.
Offensive Output: The Braves averaged 28.5 points per game, ranking them among the top half of the SWAC in scoring offense.
Defensive Performance: Alcorn State allowed an average of 31.2 points per game, struggling particularly in close conference matchups.

Season Structure and Conference Play

The 2019 season followed the standard NCAA FCS format, with Alcorn State competing in a mix of non-conference and SWAC games. The SWAC West Division schedule was particularly demanding, featuring rivals such as Jackson State and Southern University.

Non-Conference Games: The Braves opened the season with four non-conference matchups, including a loss to FBS opponent Georgia State (38–7).
SWAC West Division: Alcorn State faced tough competition from division rivals, splitting their series with Jackson State and Southern.
Key Victory: A 34–27 win over Mississippi Valley State in October kept postseason hopes alive late in the season.
Season Finale: The team closed the year with a 31–21 loss to Alcorn State in the Soul Bowl rivalry game against Jackson State.
Postseason Eligibility: With a 5–6 record, Alcorn State did not qualify for the SWAC Championship Game or the FCS playoffs.
Player Highlights: Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. led the offense, throwing for over 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns during the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Alcorn State's 2019 performance can be better understood when compared to previous seasons and conference peers. The following table highlights key metrics:

Season	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Head Coach	Postseason
2017	5–6	5–3	Jay Hopson	No
2018	4–7	4–4	Jay Hopson / Cedric Thomas	No
2019	5–6	4–4	Cedric Thomas	No
2020	1–1	1–1	Cedric Thomas	No (season shortened)
2021	7–5	6–2	Cedric Thomas	SWAC Runner-Up

The data shows that 2019 represented a transitional year for Alcorn State, maintaining consistency but failing to break through to the postseason. While the record mirrored 2017, the team lacked the conference edge needed to advance. The foundation laid in 2019 contributed to a stronger 2021 season.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a pivotal year in Alcorn State’s rebuilding phase under first-time head coach Cedric Thomas. Though not a championship contender, the team demonstrated resilience and development that would later yield better results.

Program Stability: Thomas’s first full season provided much-needed continuity after a coaching change mid-2018.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained experience, forming the core of the 2021 SWAC runner-up team.
Recruiting Momentum: A stable coaching staff helped improve recruiting efforts in Mississippi and surrounding states.
Fan Engagement: Competitive games kept attendance steady at Casem-Spinks Stadium despite the losing record.
Conference Competitiveness: Splitting games with rivals showed Alcorn State remained a factor in the SWAC West.
Foundation for Success: The 2019 season laid the groundwork for Alcorn State’s return to prominence in 2021.

While the 2019 Alcorn State football team did not achieve major accolades, its role in stabilizing the program makes it a quietly significant chapter in the school’s football history.