Football | 9/23/2022 8:00:00 PM
LORMAN, Miss. – The Braves look to make it back-to-back wins this weekend as Alcorn plays host to Arkansas at Pine Bluff in what is the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) opening game for both teams on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the game streaming on HBCU GO.
Arkansas at Pine Bluff at Alcorn
Sept. 24, 2022 | 6 p.m. (CST)
Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium | Lorman, Miss.
WPRL 91.7 FM (Radio) | Sirius XM (Radio) | ESPN+
Twitter: @AlcornStateFB |
@BravesSports
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Alcorn 1-2 (0-0 SWAC)
Roster |
Coaches |
Schedule & Results |
Stats |
Game Notes
Arkansas at Pine Bluff 2-1 (0-0 SWAC)
Roster |
Coaches |
Schedule & Results |
Stats | Game Notes
Game Day Hashtags
#UAPBvsALC | #BeatUAPB | #FearTheBrave | #ForgingAhead
Story Lines –
• Redshirt senior wide receiver
CJ Bolar enters the weekend having caught at least one pass in 12 consecutive games dating back to the 2021 season.
• The Alcorn defense ranks 12th nationally with an average of 4.0 quarterback sacks per game. A week ago at McNeese State, the Braves racked up 10 sacks against the Cowboys' Knox Kadum.
• Alcorn's offensive line was a source of attention for Head Coach
Fred McNair during the offseason, as the Braves are tied for 45th nationally and third in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in sacks allowed – 1.67 / game.
• Transfer running back
Jarveon Howard enters the weekend ranked 15th nationally in rushing yards with 276 to his credit.
• With 199 yards rushing against 10th-ranked Stephen F. Austin in the season-opener, redshirt senior running back
Jarveon Howard became the first Braves player to rush for 150-to-200 yards in a game since De'Shawn Waller against North Carolina A&T in the 2018 Celebration Bowl.
• Through three games this season, the Braves have yet to record a punt return.
Series Notes –
• Arkansas at Pine Bluff leads the series against Alcorn by a 22-27-4 advantage in the series dating back to
1952...
• Under Head Coach
Fred McNair, the Braves are an even 1-1 under Head Coach
Fred McNair...
• In the last meeting in 2021, the Braves escaped Pine Bluff, Arkansas with a 39-38 come-from-behind win...
The Broadcasts –
The game will be carried live on the Braves Radio Network in the form of WPRL 91.7 FM with Charles Edmond (play-by-play) operating alongside Jerome Myles (color) and Cedric Tillman (sidelines). The game will also be streamed live on HBCU GO and available any time on-demand.
The Coach –
Head Coach
Fred McNair is now in his sixth year at the helm of the Alcorn Football program. The Alcornite of 1992 holds a record of 37-26 overall with the Purple and Gold. He enters the weekend sitting at an even 1-1 record all-time against Arkansas at Pine Bluff as head coach of the Braves program.
The Weather –
Projected temperatures on game day: Lorman – 88/75. Pine Bluff, Ark. – 96/71 (9% chance of rain).
#HighFive –
1. The Alcorn defense comes into the weekend tied for eighth nationally and second overall in the SWAC for tackles for loss, averaging 9.0 stops per game behind the line.
2. A total of eight (8) different Braves have caught a pass thus far on the season in just three games.
3. Sophomore kicker
Noah Kiani has handled the placekicking and punting duties this season, with the Minnesota native connecting on 5-of-6 field goals already on the campaign.
4. Alcorn is one of just 18 FCS schools yet to return a punt this season, while another school is SWAC member Bethune-Cookman.
5. The Alcorn defense comes into the weekend ranked 15th nationally in quarterback sacks, as the Braves are averaging 4.0 quarterback sacks per game.
A Win over Arkansas at Pine Bluff Would –
• Give Head Coach
Fred McNair his 38th overall career win...
• Be the 18th win all-time for the Braves against the Golden Lions, and the second consecutive...
• Allow the Braves to start 1-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)...
• Even Alcorn's season record at 2-2...
#TogetherWeRise –
• The hashtag and motto for Alcorn State University Football in 2022 is #TogetherWeRise…
• Head Coach
Fred McNair and the team always say "As Braves...Together We Rise" before concluding every meeting and/or practice throughout the 2022 playing season…
"Trigger Man" In Montreal —
• Former Alcorn quarterback
Felix Harper signed a professional contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) over the weekend, becoming one of three American players signed in the past three days by the Quebec-based organization.
• Harper, a 5-10, 180-pound quarterback, was known simply as "Trigger Man" for the Braves during his time in Lorman, Mississippi. The Fairburn, Georgia native enjoyed a stellar career with the Purple and Gold, where he completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 5,619 yards and 55 touchdowns. He exited Alcorn sitting in the Top 10 in several offensive categories amongst some memorable names in Alcorn Football history.
• Serving as a regular starter for the Braves during the 2019 and 2021 seasons, respectively, Harper was named as the 2019 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Offensive Player of the Year after passing for 2,954 yards and 33 touchdowns en route to leading the Braves to the league crown and the school's third
Cricket Wireless Celebration Bowl appearance. As a redshirt senior in 2021, Harper accounted for 2,478 yards through the air with 20 touchdowns, helping Alcorn to a 6-5 overall mark and a second place showing in the SWAC Western Division with a 5-3 conference record.
Alcorn Unveils New Gameday Features for Home Games —
• Alcorn State University made it a priority to enhance the fan experience inside what is widely-regarded as "one of the toughest FCS venues in the country" when opposing teams visit Jack Spinks–Marino Casem Stadium.
• Notable Enhancements for the 2022 Season are as follows:
^^ Numerous point-of-sale terminals for easier access in and around the stadium
^^ Expedited transaction process with pre-sales for individual and season ticks with QR code access
^^ More vendors and an upgraded food variety for all fans
^^ Expanded grab-and-go drink wells/stations throughout the stadium
^^ Improved and upgraded parking scanners to accelerate entry to all campus parking lots
^^ Enhancement of the stadium sound system
#FastAndFun
• Alcorn State Head Coach
Fred McNair and Offensive Coordinator
Elliott Wratten have put in a place a speedy offense that will move up and down with different speeds.
• The team has dubbed the offense "#FAF – Fast And Fun", similar to the "Fun & Gun" of the Florida Gators under legendary coach Steve Spurrier.
• When the team scores in three minutes or less, it is called a "Nitro Boost".
SWAC & HBCU GO —
• Byron Allen's Allen Media Group (AMG) free-streaming digital platform, HBCU GO – the leading media provider for the nation's 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – proudly announces nationwide clearance for their 2022-23 sports season as part of the new carriage deal with CBS owned-and-operated duopoly stations.
• This news comes on the heels of HBCU GO's recent announcement of the distribution partnership with the SWAC that grants HBCU GO cable, linear, streaming, broadcast, VOD, and pay-per-view rights to premier NCAA Division I HBCU sporting events.
• For more information about HBCU GO visit HBCUGO.TV.
Next Up –
• Alcorn will enjoy an open week next Saturday.
• Upon returning from the open week, the Braves hit the road while remaining in the
Magnolia State, as the Purple
and Gold visit the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Follow Alcorn State Football on Twitter (
@AlcornStateFB) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Alcorn State Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (
@BravesSports), Instagram (
@AlcornSports) and YouTube (
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.
– #BeatUAPB –
