What Is 1998 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I-AA football season. They finished with a 7-4 overall record under head coach Granville Eastman.

Key Facts

The 1998 Alcorn State football team had a 7-4 overall record
They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Head coach Granville Eastman led the team in his first season
Alcorn State finished 5-3 in conference play
The team played its home games at Jack Spinks Stadium

Overview

The 1998 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 1998 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by first-year head coach Granville Eastman, who took over after the departure of previous coach Johnny Thomas.

The Braves showed improvement in several areas, particularly on offense, despite finishing with a modest overall record. Their performance reflected a transitional phase for the program as it adapted to new leadership and evolving conference competition.

Record: The team finished with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-3 mark in SWAC play, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Granville Eastman served as head coach in his first season, bringing a renewed focus on discipline and offensive execution.
Home Stadium: The Braves played their home games at Jack Spinks Stadium, located on the Alcorn State campus in Lorman, Mississippi.
Conference: As a member of the SWAC, Alcorn State faced traditional rivals such as Southern, Jackson State, and Grambling State.
Season Outcome: Despite a winning record, the team did not qualify for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs, missing postseason contention by a narrow margin.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1998 campaign featured several notable matchups that highlighted both the team’s potential and areas needing improvement. While the Braves started the season with a 1-2 record, they rebounded strongly in conference play.

Opening Loss: Alcorn State began the season with a 24-17 loss to Southern University, setting an early tone of competitive struggle.
Midseason Surge: The team won four of their next five games, including a decisive 31-14 victory over Mississippi Valley State in October.
Rivalry Game: In the annual Soul Bowl against Jackson State, the Braves lost 27-20, a close contest that had SWAC title implications.
Offensive Stats: The offense averaged 24.1 points per game, led by quarterback Steve McNair’s younger brother, Tony McNair.
Defensive Effort: The defense allowed 20.8 points per game, showing improvement over the previous season despite some late-game breakdowns.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 28-21 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, giving the team momentum heading into the offseason.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Alcorn State’s 1998 season versus key SWAC competitors and the previous year’s performance:

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Points For	Points Against
Alcorn State (1998)	7-4	5-3	265	230
Jackson State (1998)	7-4	6-2	278	215
Southern (1998)	6-5	5-3	242	238
Grambling State (1998)	8-3	6-2	291	194
Alcorn State (1997)	5-6	4-4	210	254

The table illustrates that Alcorn State improved from their 5-6 record in 1997, outperforming Southern and matching Jackson State in wins, though they lagged behind Grambling State in both overall and conference success. The Braves’ point differential improved significantly, reflecting better balance on both sides of the ball.

Why It Matters

The 1998 season was a pivotal step in Alcorn State’s football development, setting the foundation for future competitiveness in the SWAC. Though not a championship year, it demonstrated progress under new leadership and provided valuable experience for younger players.

Program Transition: The season marked the beginning of Granville Eastman’s tenure, a period of retooling and strategic reorganization.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including future SWAC all-conference performers.
Rivalry Intensity: Close games against Jackson State and Southern kept fan interest high and highlighted the team’s competitive spirit.
Recruiting Momentum: A winning record helped boost recruiting efforts in Mississippi and surrounding states.
Historical Context: The 1998 team is remembered as a bridge between eras, preceding more successful seasons in the early 2000s.
Legacy: Though overshadowed by other Alcorn State teams, the 1998 squad contributed to the program’s long-term stability.

Overall, the 1998 Alcorn State football team played a crucial role in maintaining the university’s presence in HBCU football. Their season, while not historic, was a building block for future success and a testament to resilience in a competitive conference.