What Is 2011 Alabama State Hornets football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Sam Washington. They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and played home games at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.

Key Facts

2011 Alabama State Hornets finished with a 7–4 overall record
Head coach Sam Washington led the team in his first full season
Played home games at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama
Member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Team scored 27.3 points per game on average

Overview

The 2011 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University in the 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets were led by head coach Sam Washington in his first full season at the helm.

The team played its home games at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, a venue with deep ties to HBCU football. The Hornets showed improvement over the previous season, posting a winning record and demonstrating offensive growth under new leadership.

Record: The Hornets finished the 2011 season with a 7–4 overall record, a notable improvement from their 5–6 mark in 2010.
Head Coach: Sam Washington, in his first full year, guided the team with a focus on rebuilding the program’s defensive consistency.
Home Stadium: Alabama State played all home games at Cramton Bowl, a 25,000-seat stadium located in downtown Montgomery.
Conference: The Hornets competed in the SWAC’s East Division, facing traditional rivals like Jackson State and Alabama A&M.
Scoring: The team averaged 27.3 points per game, powered by a balanced offensive attack and improved quarterback play.

How It Works

The 2011 season marked a transitional year for Alabama State football, as the program adjusted to new coaching strategies and player development systems under Sam Washington. The team’s structure emphasized discipline, offensive tempo, and defensive alignment changes.

Offensive Scheme: The Hornets ran a spread offense designed to exploit defensive gaps, utilizing mobile quarterbacks and quick passing routes to control tempo.
Defensive Alignment: Alabama State used a 4–3 base defense, focusing on aggressive line play and tight coverage in the secondary.
Recruiting Strategy: The coaching staff prioritized local talent from Alabama and Mississippi, strengthening regional ties and reducing travel costs.
Practice Schedule: The team followed a rigorous weekly schedule, including film study, strength training, and situational drills to simulate game conditions.
Game Day Operations: Home games at Cramton Bowl featured pre-game band performances, tailgating, and community outreach events to boost fan engagement.
Player Development: The program emphasized academic eligibility and leadership training, aiming to produce well-rounded student-athletes.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2011 Hornets are compared below with the 2010 and 2012 seasons to highlight program progression.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Avg Points Scored
2010	5–6	4–4	Leonard Smith (interim)	23.1
2011	7–4	6–2	Sam Washington	27.3
2012	7–4	6–3	Sam Washington	25.9
2009	7–4	6–3	Houston Mark Curry	22.7
2008	8–4	7–3	Houston Mark Curry	26.8

The data shows that the 2011 season represented a rebound in competitiveness after a down year in 2010. While not matching the win total of 2008, the Hornets improved scoring and conference performance under Washington’s leadership, laying groundwork for future success.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Alabama State Hornets season was significant for restoring momentum to a program in transition and reestablishing its presence in the SWAC. It highlighted the importance of consistent coaching and strategic player development in HBCU athletics.

Program Stability: The hiring of Sam Washington brought continuity after a year of interim leadership, helping stabilize the football program.
Competitive SWAC Play: A 6–2 conference record demonstrated the Hornets could compete with top-tier teams like Southern and Grambling State.
Community Engagement: Home games at Cramton Bowl strengthened ties between the university and Montgomery residents, boosting local support.
Recruiting Momentum: Improved performance helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years, enhancing team depth.
Player Development: Several 2011 players went on to earn All-SWAC honors, validating the coaching staff’s development model.
Historical Context: The season contributed to Alabama State’s legacy as a competitive force in HBCU football history.

The 2011 campaign was a pivotal chapter in Alabama State football, bridging past challenges with future aspirations. Its impact is still felt in the program’s continued emphasis on discipline, community, and athletic excellence.