What Is 1999 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 1999 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Head coach Johnny Jones led the team to a SWAC championship game appearance, where they lost to Grambling State.

Key Facts

The 1999 Alcorn State football team finished with a 7-4 overall record
They went 6-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Head coach Johnny Jones was in his second season leading the program
The team reached the SWAC Championship Game but lost to Grambling State
Alcorn State played home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi

Overview

The 1999 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Under the leadership of head coach Johnny Jones, the team posted a winning record and made a deep run in the conference race.

Despite strong performances throughout the season, the Braves fell short in the SWAC Championship Game, marking a pivotal moment in the program’s late-1990s resurgence. The season showcased emerging talent and laid the foundation for future competitiveness in the conference.

Record: The team finished the season with a 7-4 overall record, demonstrating consistent performance against both conference and non-conference opponents.
Conference play: In SWAC competition, Alcorn State went 6-2, securing a top-tier finish and a berth in the conference championship game.
Head coach:Johnny Jones, in his second year, led the team with a focus on defensive discipline and balanced offensive execution.
Home stadium: The Braves played their home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi, a venue known for its passionate fan support.
Championship appearance: The team advanced to the SWAC Championship Game but lost to Grambling State, ending their title hopes for the season.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1999 campaign featured several key matchups that defined Alcorn State’s trajectory, including intense rivalry games and pivotal conference showdowns. The team demonstrated resilience, winning crucial games to secure a postseason opportunity.

Key victory: A 28-21 win over Southern University in October proved pivotal in the SWAC standings and boosted playoff hopes.
Defensive strength: The Braves allowed just 19.8 points per game, ranking among the top defensive units in the SWAC.
Offensive leader: Quarterback Walter McCarty threw for over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns, anchoring the passing attack.
Rivalry game: The annual Bayou Classic was not played by Alcorn State, as that event features Southern and Grambling; however, Alcorn faced both teams in SWAC play.
Postseason: Despite a strong record, Alcorn State did not qualify for the NCAA I-AA playoffs, as only conference champions received automatic bids at the time.
Player development: Several players from the 1999 roster went on to sign professional contracts or play in arena football leagues.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1999 Alcorn State team with select SWAC competitors from the same season:

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Head Coach	Postseason Result
Alcorn State	7-4	6-2	Johnny Jones	Lost SWAC Championship
Grambling State	9-3	7-1	Tommy Johnson	Won SWAC Championship
Southern	6-5	5-3	Tommy Moffett	No postseason
Jackson State	5-6	4-4	Rick Comegy	No postseason
Tennessee State	7-4	5-3	James Reese	No postseason

The table highlights Alcorn State’s strong conference performance, matching Tennessee State in overall record but falling just short of Grambling State in the final standings. Their 6-2 SWAC mark was second-best in the league, underscoring their status as a top contender. The narrow loss in the championship game emphasized the competitive balance within the conference during the 1999 season.

Why It Matters

The 1999 season remains a notable chapter in Alcorn State football history, reflecting the program’s competitive spirit and growth under Johnny Jones. It contributed to the legacy of HBCU football excellence and showcased the depth of talent in the SWAC.

Program momentum: The 7-4 record marked an improvement from previous seasons and signaled a rebuilding phase under new leadership.
Player exposure: Several athletes gained national recognition, enhancing recruitment for future classes.
Conference impact: The close race for the SWAC title highlighted the parity and intensity of conference play.
Historical context: The season occurred during a transitional era in HBCU football, as programs adapted to evolving NCAA structures.
Fan engagement: Strong attendance at Casem-Spinks Stadium reflected community pride and support for the team.
Legacy: The 1999 team laid groundwork for future successes, including Alcorn State’s SWAC titles in the 2010s.

While the championship eluded them, the 1999 Alcorn State Braves left a lasting impression through determination and competitive excellence, contributing to the rich tradition of HBCU football.