What Is 2014 Alabama State football team

Overview

The 2014 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Reggie Barlow, who was in his tenth and final year at the helm.

The Hornets posted a 7–4 overall record and a 6–2 conference record, securing first place in the SWAC Eastern Division. Despite a strong season, they fell decisively in the SWAC Championship Game, marking the end of Barlow’s tenure and a transitional period for the program.

• Season record: The Hornets finished with a 7–4 overall record, their best since 2011, showing improvement under Barlow’s leadership.
• Conference performance: They went 6–2 in SWAC play, winning the Eastern Division and earning a spot in the conference title game.
• Championship appearance: Alabama State advanced to the 2014 SWAC Championship Game but lost 49–7 to Mississippi Valley State on December 6, 2014.
• Head coach: Reggie Barlow, who coached the team from 2005 to 2014, stepped down after the season with a 58–53 overall record.
Quarterback stats: Johnnie Brock threw for 1,872 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the team’s offensive efforts throughout the season.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 2014 campaign highlighted both offensive resilience and defensive challenges, as the Hornets balanced veteran leadership with emerging talent. Several players stepped up to carry the team through a competitive SWAC schedule.

• Johnnie Brock: The starting quarterback completed 163 of 287 passes, averaging 152.7 passing yards per game with a 56.8% completion rate.
• Armani Williams: The leading rusher amassed 739 yards and 6 touchdowns on 137 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
• Jermaine Catchings: Recorded 45 receptions for 553 yards and 5 touchdowns, emerging as the top receiving threat.
• Defense: The team allowed 24.5 points per game, struggling against top-tier SWAC opponents like Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State.
• Home field: Alabama State played its home games at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, drawing an average of 15,000 fans per game.
• Notable win: A 28–21 victory over Jackson State on November 8 helped clinch the Eastern Division title.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2014 Hornets to the previous season and key SWAC rivals to illustrate performance trends.

The data shows Alabama State improved significantly from 2013, particularly in conference play. However, their defense remained a weak point compared to top SWAC teams like Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State, who outperformed them in scoring and efficiency.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal moment for Alabama State football, representing both a high point in recent years and the end of an era with Barlow’s departure. It also underscored the competitive nature of the SWAC and the challenges faced by mid-tier programs.

• Program transition: Barlow’s exit led to the hiring of Brian Jenkins, marking a new chapter for the Hornets.
• Recruiting impact: A division title helped boost visibility, aiding future recruiting efforts in Alabama and surrounding states.
• SWAC dynamics: The loss in the championship highlighted the gap between Alabama State and dominant teams like MVSU and Alcorn State.
• Player development: Several 2014 players went on to sign professional contracts or play in higher-level leagues.
• Fan engagement: Competitive games and a championship appearance increased attendance and local support.
• Historical context: The season remains one of the more successful in the 2010s for Alabama State football.

The 2014 Alabama State Hornets laid groundwork for future competitiveness, even in defeat, proving they could contend for conference honors with strong leadership and consistent play.