What Is 1987 Alabama State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 5–6 record under head coach Houston Markham, who was in his second year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1987 Alabama State football team had a final record of 5–6.
Head coach Houston Markham was in his second season at the helm in 1987.
The team competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Alabama State played its home games at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL.
The 1987 season included a notable 27–24 win over Southern University.

Overview

The 1987 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Houston Markham, who was in his second year as head coach after taking over in 1986.

The Hornets finished the season with a record of 5–6, marking a slight improvement from their 4–7 record in 1986. Despite not achieving a winning season, the team showed resilience in conference play and delivered some memorable performances, particularly against SWAC rivals.

Record: The team ended the 1987 season with a 5–6 overall record, showing modest progress under second-year head coach Houston Markham.
Head Coach:Houston Markham led the Hornets in his second season, building on a developing program culture and focusing on defensive consistency.
Conference: Alabama State competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), facing traditional HBCU rivals such as Southern, Jackson State, and Mississippi Valley State.
Home Stadium: The Hornets played their home games at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, a venue with a capacity of over 21,000.
Key Game: A 27–24 victory over Southern University stood out as one of the season’s highlights, showcasing the team’s offensive potential in a close conference matchup.

Season Performance

The 1987 campaign featured a mix of strong offensive showings and defensive lapses, typical of a rebuilding phase under Markham. The team’s schedule included non-conference matchups and tough SWAC road games, testing their depth and adaptability.

Offensive Output: The Hornets averaged 20.8 points per game, with quarterback play and a developing running attack driving most scoring drives.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed an average of 24.1 points per game, indicating challenges in stopping high-powered SWAC offenses.
Home Record: Alabama State posted a 3–2 record at Cramton Bowl, benefiting from strong local fan support and familiar field conditions.
Road Challenges: The team struggled away from home, finishing 2–4 on the road, including narrow losses to Jackson State and Florida A&M.
Season Opener: The Hornets began the season with a 21–14 win over Miles College, an in-state HBCU, setting a positive tone early.
Season Finale: The year concluded with a 31–14 loss to Tuskegee in the Turkey Day Classic, a historic rivalry game with deep cultural significance.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 season compares to surrounding years in terms of record, coaching, and key metrics:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Key Result
1985	4–7	3–5	James Reid (final season)	Lost to Southern 28–21
1986	4–7	3–5	Houston Markham (1st year)	Beat Jackson State 24–21
1987	5–6	4–4	Houston Markham (2nd year)	Beat Southern 27–24
1988	5–6	4–4	Houston Markham (3rd year)	Lost to Alcorn State 30–27
1989	7–4	5–3	Houston Markham (4th year)	Beat Florida A&M 28–20

The 1987 season served as a transitional year, bridging the gap between rebuilding and eventual improvement. While the 5–6 record didn’t earn a postseason berth, the team’s 4–4 SWAC performance indicated growing competitiveness. The narrow win over Southern and consistent play against rivals laid the foundation for future success, culminating in a 7–4 season by 1989.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Alabama State football team holds a place in the program’s history as part of a gradual upward trajectory under Houston Markham. Though not a championship season, it contributed to the long-term development of the Hornets’ football identity during the late 1980s.

Program Momentum: The 5–6 record in 1987 marked the first time since 1982 the Hornets won at least five games in back-to-back seasons.
Coach Development: Markham’s second season demonstrated his ability to stabilize the program after inheriting a struggling team in 1986.
Player Growth: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, later contributing to the team’s improved 1989 record of 7–4.
SWAC Presence: Competitive games against Southern, Jackson State, and Alcorn State reinforced Alabama State’s role in the SWAC landscape.
Historical Context: The Turkey Day Classic against Tuskegee remained a cultural highlight, preserving HBCU football traditions.
Foundation for Success: The 1987 season laid groundwork for future competitiveness, leading to stronger performances in the early 1990s.

While overshadowed by more successful seasons, the 1987 Alabama State football team played a crucial role in the program’s evolution. Its modest record belies its importance in building momentum for future achievements and strengthening the Hornets’ presence in HBCU football.