Countdown to Kick-Off: The 2012 Football Campaign Begins in the Port City
Football |

Countdown to Kick-Off: The 2012 Football Campaign Begins in the Port City

ALCORN STATE, MS - The Game: The Alcorn State football team opens the 2012 campaign on Saturday, September 1, taking on the Tigers of Grambling State University at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Braves and Tigers first faced off in the 1940's however, they have a long history of playing in Shreveport, dating back to 1981. The Tigers won the first game played against the Braves in Shreveport by the score of 13-10 under the leadership of the late legendary head coach, Eddie Robinson. Alcorn has played Grambling in Shreveport more than any other team with the G-Men currently leading the series with a 7-4 record.
 
Fans have been treated to some fantastic football as the two teams have played some epic battles in Shreveport.  The games between the two teams in Shreveport have been known for their offense.  The winning team has scored at least 21 points 9 out of the 11 years.  In 1992, the two teams combined for 68 points.  Most of the games have been very close.  The last three games between the two foes have been decided by a touchdown or less, including a 21-14 victory by the Grambling last year.
 
The game will be televised nationally on SWAC TV with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. CT.  In addition, you can always listen via the internet at www.wprl.org for play-by-play with Chuck Edmond.
 
Head Coach Jay Hopson:  Alcorn head coach Jay Hopson (University of Mississippi, 1992) begins his first season with the Braves. Hopson was named the school's 18th head coach on May 28, 2012 and he's the first non-African American football coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Hopson worked the 2004 campaign at his alma mater, Ole Miss, as the defensive backs coach and was the program's recruiting coordinator before returning to Hattiesburg for his second stint at USM - his first as a coordinator. The Rebels' pass defense improved from 109th nationally in 2003 to 49th during the 2004 campaign.
 
Hopson's coaching resume also includes positions at Marshall (1996-2000) and Delta State (1993) as defensive backs coach. He was a member of the Herd's 1996 NCAA I-AA National Championship staff and coached the team to four-straight Mid-American Conference championships. In 1996, Marshall led the Southern Conference in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense. In 1999, the Herd secondary led the nation in interceptions. Additionally, from 1997-99, Marshall's defense led the MAC in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense.
 
He also held defensive graduate assistant positions at Florida (1995), LSU (1994) and Tulane (1992). He helped the Gators to the Southeastern Conference championship and played for the national championship in the Fiesta Bowl.
 
In addition, he was a four-year letter winner as a defensive back at Ole Miss from 1988-91, playing free safety for one season before moving to strong safety for his final three years. He was a four-time Academic All-SEC honor roll selection and was named to the CoSIDA District VI Academic All-America team as a senior in 1991.
 
Preseason Rankings: Alcorn State opens the 2012 season picked to finish fourth in the conference Eastern Division.
 
Grambling: The Tigers are coming off of an 8-4 season culminating with a SWAC Championship with a 16-15 win over Alabama A&M for the conference title. It was the fourth conference title for SWAC Coach of the Year Doug Williams in his first season returning to lead the Tigers. Last year the G-Men were tested with a young offensive unit and this year still remains to be seen how they withstand the pressure of having no starters returning on the defensive front.

Next Game: Alcorn State will return to action on Saturday, September 8, as they travel to Harrisonburg, VA to take on  the Dukes of James Madison University. The game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. kick-off at Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field.
 
Preseason All-SWAC: Prior the start of fall camp the Braves had three named to the Preseason All-SWAC team. Terrance Lewis, senior Business Administration major from Ft. Myers, FL was named to the All-SWAC First Team for his leading role as a return specialist. Lewis recorded 12 punt returns for 157 yards; 1 touchdown; 13.1 yards per return; long return of 84 yards; 21 kickoff returns for 492 yards; 2 touchdowns for 23.4 ypr; avg. long of 92 yards. Arnold Walker, senior Mass Communications major from Atlanta, GA was named to the All-SWAC Second Team-Offense for his contribution to the Braves offense recording 713 rushing yards; 142 rushing attempts; 3 touchdowns averaging 71.3 ypg; and 6 receptions for 53 yards. Lastly, Casey Freeman sophomore Criminal Justice major from Milton, FL was named to the All-SWAC Second Team-Defense was his contribution to the Braves defense recording 66 tackles (38 Solo) Ast 28; 3.5 tackles for loss for 7 yards; and 3 interceptions for 48 yards.
 
Tough Slate: Alcorn's 2012 schedule features two non-conference opponents: James Madison University and Arkansas State University. The Braves will travel to JMU on Saturday, September 8 and to Jonesboro, AR on Saturday, September 22. In conference play, the Braves will face the Hornets of Alabama State on Saturday, September 29 for Homecoming. The Hornets were picked to finish first in the SWAC Eastern Division. Rounding off the season is the return of the Soul Bowl, where Alcorn State will battle arch-rival Jackson State for the first time in eighteen years on campus at Spink-Casem Stadium. The game is slated for November 17 with a 1:00 p.m. kick off.
 
 
 
 
 
Print Friendly Version