LORMAN, Mississippi -- Heading into the 2013 season, no one predicted the Braves would have a productive year. In the SWAC, the Braves were picked to finish fourth in the Eastern Division and no one across the country gave the Braves any respect.As everyone knows, the past few years have been pretty rough for the Alcorn State football program. Four different coaches, new offensive and defensive schemes to learn, and to top it off, six consecutive losing seasons. Well, that changed this past season as second year Head Coach Jay Hopson dramatically turned the Alcorn State football program around and led them to a historic 9-3 record.
It has been over 30 years since the Braves won nine games and they did it in "ALCORN" fashion. The Braves averaged 36.8 points per game scoring 40 points or more in six of their 12 contests, finished 4-1 at Spinks-Casem Stadium, captured the Circle City Classic defeating Grambling State, and was the only team in the SWAC to defeat both teams who played in the SWAC Championship game (Southern and Jackson State).
The 2013 season also featured several classic games including a 35-28 vicotry over Mississippi Valley, a 44-38 overtime win over Southern on their homecoming, and of course a 48-33 victory over rival Jackson State at the legendary Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss.
Ten of the Braves players earned All-Conference honors; Arnold Walker (1st Team All-SWAC), Issac Sampson (1st Team All-SWAC), CJ Morgan (1st Team All-SWAC), Haiden McCraney (1st Team All-SWAC), Tavoris Doss (1st Team All-SWAC), Jonathan Scott (2nd Team All-SWAC), Detonio Dade (2nd Team All-SWAC), Jordan Payne (2nd Team All-SWAC), Deion Roberson (2nd Team All-SWAC), and Devon Francois (2nd Team All-SWAC).
To sum up the 2013 football season, the Braves were only one win away from securing a spot in the SWAC Championship game in Houston, Texas.
Offense
The Braves collected over 5,000 yards of total offense led by running back Arnold Walker and quarterback John Gibbs, Jr. Arnold Walker rushed for 1,191 yards breaking a 30-plus year record held by Augustus Lee and is now the all-time leading rushing yards leader in school history. Not only did Walker rush for over a thousand yards but he also scored 16 touchdowns and was named SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year. He led the SWAC in three categories (rushing yards, scoring, and scoring touchdowns) and finished in the top 20 in the FCS in scoring touchdowns.
Gibbs threw for over 2,000 yards, recorded 21 touchdowns, and averaged 213.9 yards per game in the air. In six games he threw for over 200 yards and averaged two touchdowns in those games.
The 6-foot-6 starting quarterback also rushed for 455 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Led by junior Tollette George (52 catches, 637 yards, and three touchdowns), four of the Braves wide receivers caught over 20 balls, recorded over 300 yards receiving, and scored three touchdowns. Sophomore Jordan Payne caught a career-high nine touchdowns for the Braves this past season.
Defense
The Braves fierce defense showcased their talents as well finishing first in three SWAC defensive categories (scoring defense, pass defense, and pass defense effic.) and only allowed 24.5 points a game. "DB Nation" gave up 188 yards in the air and were second in the conference in interceptions. They also shutout two of their opponents (Warner, 57-0 and Grambling State 48-0)
Junior Devon Francois led the Braves in tackles recording a total of 90 and finished in the top 10 in the SWAC in tackles. Junior transfer CJ Morgan led the Braves and the SWAC in passes defended (14).
Defensive tackle Deion Roberson led the Braves with 12.5 tackles for a loss and recorded 50 tackles on the season, forced two fumbles and collected two sacks.
Special Teams
Freshman Haiden McCraney and senior Tavoris Doss were highlighted the special teams area this season. McCraney led the SWAC in scoring (kicking) with a total of 81 points, averaged 6.8 points per game and was named SWAC Specialist of the Week three consecutive times.
Doss led the SWAC and the FCS in punt return average (16.1 yards per game) which earned him FCS Punt Return Average Champion.
Looking Ahead to 2014
All eyes are on the Braves this season and Coach Hopson has high expectations for the 2014 season. Hopson and his coaching staff have their players set on making the trip to Houston to play in the 2014 SWAC Championship game. The Braves schedule features seven home games at Spinks-Casem Stadium this season with marquee matchups against Alabama State, Southern and rival Jackson State.
The Braves only lost six seniors to graduation and return 11 starters on offense and 10 on defense.
The 2014 season kicks off on August 31st as the Braves welcome Virginia University of Lynchburg. Kick-off is slated for 4 p.m.
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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