What Is 2019 Alabama State football team

Overview

The 2019 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2019 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets aimed to improve on their previous season’s performance under head coach Donald Hill-Eley.

Despite a competitive schedule, the team finished with a losing record and did not qualify for postseason play. Their performance reflected ongoing rebuilding efforts within the program, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

• Record: The Hornets ended the 2019 season with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in SWAC conference games, placing them in the middle of the Western Division.
• Head Coach: Donald Hill-Eley served as head coach for his second consecutive season, focusing on stabilizing the program and developing younger players.
• Stadium: Alabama State played their home games at the 26,500-seat Alabama State Stadium, located on campus in Montgomery, Alabama.
• Offensive Output: The team averaged 23.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the SWAC in total offense with 342.1 yards per game.
• Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 28.7 points per game, struggling particularly in conference matchups against high-powered offenses like Southern and Jackson State.

Season Performance

The Hornets faced a challenging non-conference schedule before entering SWAC play, aiming to build momentum early. However, inconsistent performances on both sides of the ball hampered their chances at a winning season.

• September Start: Opened the season with a 24–21 loss to Mississippi Valley State, setting a tone of narrow defeats that continued throughout the year.
• Key Win: Secured a 31–24 victory over Texas Southern in October, marking one of their more decisive conference wins.
• Home Record: Went 3–2 at Alabama State Stadium, showing better performance in front of their home crowd compared to road games.
• Quarterback Play: Starting QB Bryan Hill threw for 1,847 yards and 11 touchdowns but also tossed 10 interceptions, reflecting offensive inconsistency.
• Running Game: Led by Jalen Cranford, the rushing attack averaged 142.3 yards per game, providing a modest ground presence.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 Hornets’ performance can be assessed against other SWAC teams using key statistical benchmarks.

This table highlights Alabama State’s middle-of-the-pack standing in the SWAC. While they outperformed weaker teams like Alabama A&M, they fell short of contending with powerhouses such as Southern and Grambling State, who dominated the conference.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a transitional year for Alabama State football, reflecting both progress and persistent challenges. As a historically black university with a strong football tradition, consistent performance is crucial for recruiting, fan engagement, and conference competitiveness.

• Recruiting Impact: A sub-.500 record made it harder to attract top-tier talent, especially compared to SWAC teams with postseason success.
• Program Stability: Continued coaching turnover and inconsistent quarterback play hindered long-term development.
• Conference Relevance: Failing to reach the SWAC Championship game diminished visibility and financial opportunities for the program.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, laying groundwork for future seasons under Hill-Eley’s leadership.
• Financial Implications: Without postseason revenue, athletic department budgets remained constrained, affecting travel and training resources.
• Alumni Engagement: A losing season reduced fan attendance and donations, impacting overall support for the football program.

While the 2019 campaign did not yield major accolades, it served as a building block for future improvement. The lessons learned during this season informed strategic changes in recruiting, training, and game planning in subsequent years.