What Is 2015 Alabama State football team

Overview

The 2015 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University during the 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets played their home games at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, under the leadership of head coach Brian Jenkins.

The season marked the program's second year under Jenkins, who took over in 2014 aiming to rebuild the team's competitiveness. While showing moments of improvement, the Hornets struggled with consistency, finishing below .500 and missing postseason eligibility. Despite the losing record, several players delivered standout individual performances.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in SWAC play, which placed them in the middle of the conference standings.
• Head Coach: Brian Jenkins entered his second season in 2015 and continued to implement his offensive schemes, focusing on a balanced attack between run and pass.
• Home Stadium: Alabama State played all home games at Cramton Bowl, a historic 25,000-seat stadium in downtown Montgomery used since the 1920s.
• Scoring Output: The Hornets scored 277 total points during the season, averaging 25.2 points per game, ranking them mid-tier among FCS programs.
• Postseason: Alabama State did not qualify for the FCS playoffs or any bowl game in 2015, marking the second consecutive season without postseason play.

Performance Breakdown

The 2015 season featured a mix of competitive losses and encouraging wins, particularly within SWAC matchups. The team showed resilience in conference play, winning four games, but struggled against non-conference opponents, which ultimately hurt their overall record and postseason chances.

• Season Opener: Alabama State opened the season on September 5, 2015, with a 38–21 loss to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team.
• Key Victory: A 34–27 win over Prairie View A&M on October 17 was a highlight, showcasing the team’s ability to compete in tight SWAC contests.
• Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed 31.5 points per game, among the highest in the SWAC, indicating ongoing struggles to contain opposing offenses.
• Quarterback Play: Quarterback Aqeel Glass was not yet on the roster; instead, the team relied on a rotation including Michael German and Jalen Jordan, who combined for 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
• Rushing Attack: The Hornets averaged 143.2 rushing yards per game, led by running back Troymaine Pope, who rushed for over 500 yards despite missing time due to injury.
• Special Teams: Kicker Tyreek McCollum converted 10 of 13 field goal attempts, providing reliable scoring in close games.

Comparison at a Glance

Alabama State’s 2015 performance compared to prior and subsequent seasons reveals trends in program development and coaching impact.

The table illustrates that the 2015 season was consistent with the program’s performance during this era—hovering around .500 in conference play but unable to achieve a winning overall record. Jenkins maintained stability but failed to elevate the team beyond mid-tier SWAC status during his tenure.

Why It Matters

While not a championship-caliber season, the 2015 campaign provided foundational experience for future improvements and player development. It also reflected broader challenges faced by HBCU programs in securing resources and national visibility.

• Player Development: The season helped prepare younger players like future standout Aqeel Glass, who would later break school passing records.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive performances in 2015 contributed to modest recruiting gains in subsequent years.
• Conference Stability: Alabama State remained a steady presence in the SWAC, contributing to the conference’s competitive balance.
• Financial Impact: A non-winning season limited revenue from postseason play, affecting athletic department funding.
• Coaching Evaluation: Jenkins’ second season was seen as a step toward rebuilding, though lack of improvement led to increased scrutiny.
• HBCU Representation: The team’s games were broadcast on SWAC Network, helping promote HBCU athletics to a national audience.

In summary, the 2015 Alabama State football season was a transitional year marked by moderate progress and persistent challenges. It underscored the need for deeper investment and strategic planning to elevate the program in the competitive FCS landscape.