What Is 2013 Alcorn State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 9-3 record and winning the SWAC Championship under head coach Jay Hopson. They defeated Grambling State 49-27 in the title game on December 7, 2013.

Key Facts

The 2013 Alcorn State football team finished with a 9-3 overall record
They won the SWAC Championship on December 7, 2013, defeating Grambling State 49-27
Head coach Jay Hopson led the team during the 2013 season
Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Year
Alcorn State played their home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi

Overview

The 2013 Alcorn State football team represented Alcorn State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history under head coach Jay Hopson.

With a dynamic offense and strong defensive play, the Braves captured the SWAC Championship and earned national recognition. Their success highlighted the growing competitiveness of historically Black colleges and universities in Division I football.

Record: The team finished the season with a strong 9-3 overall record, including a 7-1 mark in conference play, securing first place in the SWAC East Division.
Championship Win: On December 7, 2013, Alcorn State defeated Grambling State 49-27 in the SWAC Championship Game, claiming their first conference title since 1994.
Head Coach:Jay Hopson, in his third season, implemented an aggressive offensive scheme that maximized talent and led to a dramatic turnaround from previous years.
Home Stadium: The Braves played their home games at Casem-Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi, a venue with a capacity of approximately 22,500 fans.
Key Player: Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. threw for over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns, earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors for his performance.

Performance & Key Games

The 2013 season featured several pivotal matchups that defined Alcorn State’s rise to prominence. The team demonstrated resilience in close games and dominated weaker opponents with high-scoring performances.

Season Opener: Alcorn State opened with a 38-21 win over Mississippi Valley State, setting the tone for a powerful offensive season.
Rivalry Victory: A 35-28 win over Jackson State in November was crucial in securing the SWAC East title and playoff positioning.
Championship MVP: Running back Dee Wayne Scott rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the SWAC title game, earning Most Valuable Player honors.
Defensive Strength: The defense forced 28 total turnovers during the season, including 16 interceptions, led by All-SWAC safety Marquis Green.
Postseason Absence: Despite winning the SWAC, Alcorn State did not receive an FCS playoff berth due to the conference's automatic bid policy at the time.
National Ranking: The team reached as high as No. 19 in the FCS Coaches Poll during the final weeks of the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 Alcorn State team compared to other top SWAC teams that season:

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Championship Result	Head Coach
Alcorn State	9-3	7-1	Champions (49-27)	Jay Hopson
Grambling State	8-4	6-2	Lost Championship	Doug Williams
Jackson State	7-5	6-2	Lost in semifinals	Hank Small
Prairie View A&M	5-6	4-4	Did not qualify	Dr. Henry Frazier III
Mississippi Valley State	4-7	3-5	Did not qualify	Devan Downey

The 2013 season underscored Alcorn State’s dominance in the SWAC, particularly in head-to-head matchups and statistical performance. Their ability to win close games and perform under pressure distinguished them from rivals like Jackson State and Prairie View A&M. The championship victory was not only a personal triumph but also a symbolic moment for HBCU football programs striving for national relevance.

Why It Matters

The success of the 2013 Alcorn State football team had lasting implications for the university and the broader landscape of college football at HBCUs.

Program Prestige: Winning the SWAC title elevated Alcorn State’s national profile and boosted recruiting efforts for future seasons.
Coach Recognition: Jay Hopson’s success led to increased interest from larger programs, eventually paving his path to an FBS head coaching position.
Player Development: The season showcased HBCU talent, with several players receiving NFL tryouts or opportunities in alternative leagues.
Community Impact: The championship brought pride to the Lorman, Mississippi community and strengthened alumni engagement.
Historical Context: It marked Alcorn State’s first SWAC title in 19 years, reviving a once-dormant football tradition.
Media Exposure: The championship game was televised nationally, increasing visibility for SWAC athletics and HBCU sports overall.

The 2013 season remains a benchmark for Alcorn State football, symbolizing what focused leadership, player development, and institutional support can achieve in collegiate athletics.