What Is 2014 Alcorn State Braves football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Alcorn State Braves football team represented Alcorn State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 9–4 record and winning the SWAC Championship under head coach Jay Hopson. They advanced to the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2001, losing in the first round to North Dakota State.

Key Facts

The 2014 Alcorn State Braves finished the season with a 9–4 overall record
They won the SWAC Championship by defeating Grambling State 49–21 on December 6, 2014
Head coach Jay Hopson led the team to its first SWAC title since 1999
Quarterback Deondre Francois threw for 2,845 yards and 23 touchdowns during the season
The Braves made their first FCS Playoff appearance since 2001, losing 55–35 to North Dakota State

Overview

The 2014 Alcorn State Braves football team represented Alcorn State University in the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Braves achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history under head coach Jay Hopson, who was in his second year leading the team.

With a dynamic offense and a resilient defense, the Braves posted a 9–4 overall record and a 7–1 mark in conference play. Their standout season culminated in a dominant victory in the SWAC Championship Game and a berth in the FCS Playoffs, marking a resurgence for the program.

Record: The team finished with a 9–4 overall record, including a 7–1 performance in SWAC play, securing the East Division title.
SWAC Champions: Alcorn State defeated Grambling State 49–21 in the SWAC Championship Game on December 6, 2014, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Head Coach:Jay Hopson, in his second season, led the team to its first conference title since 1999 and was named SWAC Coach of the Year.
Quarterback Performance:Deondre Francois threw for 2,845 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Playoff Appearance: The Braves qualified for the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2001, facing North Dakota State in the first round.

Season Highlights and Key Performances

The 2014 campaign was marked by several key victories and standout individual performances that propelled Alcorn State to the top of the SWAC standings. The team showed consistency throughout the season, overcoming tough opponents and maintaining focus during high-pressure moments.

Early Season Momentum: A 41–10 win over Mississippi Valley State in September set the tone, showcasing the team’s offensive firepower.
Defensive Strength: The defense recorded five or more tackles for loss in seven games, led by linebacker Jalen Wydermeyer.
Home Dominance: Alcorn State went 6–0 at home at Casem-Spinks Stadium, including a 45–28 victory over Jackson State in the Soul Bowl.
SWAC Championship Game: The Braves led 35–7 at halftime against Grambling State, capitalizing on three turnovers to secure the title.
FCS Playoff Appearance: Despite a 55–35 loss to top-seeded North Dakota State, Alcorn State gained national recognition for its competitive effort.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 Alcorn State Braves compared to other SWAC teams and national FCS contenders:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Postseason Result	Key Stat
Alcorn State	9–4	7–1	Lost in FCS First Round	49 points in SWAC Championship
Grambling State	9–4	7–1	Lost SWAC Championship	21 points allowed in title game
North Dakota State	15–0	7–0 (Missouri Valley)	Won FCS National Championship	55 points scored vs. Alcorn
Mississippi Valley State	2–10	2–6	No postseason	Allowed 38.4 PPG
Alabama State	8–4	6–2	Lost SWAC Semifinal	Ranked in final FCS Top 25

The 2014 season demonstrated Alcorn State’s ability to compete at a high level both regionally and nationally. While North Dakota State ultimately proved too strong in the playoffs, the Braves’ performance highlighted the growing strength of SWAC programs on the national stage. The team’s combination of explosive offense and opportunistic defense made them a model for HBCU football success.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a landmark year for Alcorn State football, symbolizing a return to prominence for a historically significant HBCU program. It brought national attention to the SWAC and demonstrated the competitiveness of HBCU teams in postseason play.

Historic Playoff Return: The Braves made their first FCS Playoff appearance since 2001, ending a 13-year drought and raising the program’s profile.
HBCU Representation: As one of the few HBCUs to reach the FCS Playoffs, Alcorn State increased visibility for Black college football programs.
Recruiting Boost: Success in 2014 helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years, strengthening the program’s future.
Conference Prestige: Winning the SWAC title reinforced the competitive balance within the conference and elevated Alcorn State’s reputation.
Player Development: Quarterback Deondre Francois and several defensive standouts received professional tryouts following the season.
Legacy Impact: The 2014 team is remembered as a turning point, inspiring future Braves squads to aim for national success.

The 2014 Alcorn State Braves football season remains a benchmark in the program’s history, combining conference dominance with national exposure and setting a standard for excellence in HBCU athletics.