SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP SCOUTING REPORT: BRAVES VS. SOUTHERN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NRG STADIUM
KICKOFF - E:00 P.M.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON SATURDAY...........
STORYLINES
- Saturday's game marks the 64th meeting between the Braves and Southern with the Braves leading the series 33-21.
- The Braves are playing in their first SWAC Championship game since the conference added the game in 1999.
- This game marks the Braves third appearance on the ESPN Family of Networks during the 2014. Earlier this season the Braves faced Southern and Alabama State on ESPN-U at Spinks-Casem Stadium.
- For the first time in both of the schools' history, the Braves and Southern will meet for the second time in one season.
- In the last meeting between the two, the Braves defeated Southern 56-16 at Spinks-Casem Stadium.
- Third year head coach, Jay Hopson and Southern's head coach Dawson Odums meet for the fourth time in their ca-reers with Hopson leading the series 3-0.
- Under Coach Hopson, the Braves are 2-0 in neutral site contest.
- The Braves finished the season leading the SWAC in 13 categories: scoring offense (44.5 ppg), scoring defense (19.2 ppg), total offense (495.0 ypg), total defense (324.4 ypg), rushing offense (290.7 ypg), rushing defense (108.8 ypg), pass efficiency (142.1 effic.), pass defense efficiency (111.3 effic.), punt return avg. (17.4 ypg), interceptions (18), first downs (297), 3rd down conversions (44.4 pct.), turnover margin (0.50 per game).
- Junior defensive back, Anthony Williams, Jr., leads the SWAC and is ranked 3rd in the nation in punt returns with an average of 17.8 yards per return.
- Junior Warren Gatewood leads the SWAC and is ranked 2nd in the nation in passes defended with a total of 19 of the year.
- Senior defensive back Devon Francois is tied for 1st in the SWAC in interceptions with a total of five on the season.
- As a team, the Braves are ranked in the top five in three NCAA FCS statistical categories: scoring offense (2nd, 44.5 ppg), punt returns (3rd, 18.1 ypg), rushing offense (4th, 289.8 ypg).
- History was made this season with four of the Braves players rushing over 600 yards in the same season for the first time ever. Quarterback John Gibbs, Jr. leads the way with a total of 874 yards on 119 carries. Anthony Williams III has rushed for 697 yards on 116 carries while Darryan Ragsdale rushed for 677 yards on 79 attempts. Freshman Ar-ron Baker has carried the ball 101 times for 667 yards.
- The Braves running game has broke the record for most rushing yards (3,488) and rushing touchdowns (48) in a single season.
- Several of the Alcorn State players have broke single season school records: Warren Gatewood, Haiden McCraney, Anthony Williams, Jr., and Deion Roberson.
