Alcorn State Braves
Overall Rank: #44
#3 SWAC
During Coach Fred McNair’s four seasons leading Alcorn State, they have never failed to win the SWAC East. The Braves sat out the spring season so it may take a little time to get things rolling in 2021. And the Braves will not win the SWAC East this year either. With Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman joining the conference, Alcorn State is heading to the West.
2020-21 Record: 0-0
2020-21 Postseason: None
Coach: Fred McNair (30-19 at Alcorn State, 30-19 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Elliott Wratten
Defensive Coordinator: Cedric Thornton
Returning Leaders (2019 stats):
Rushing: Niko Duffy, RB, 838 yards
Passing: Felix Harper, QB, 2,954 yards
Receiving: LeCharles Pringle, WR, 828 yards
Tackles: Juwan Taylor, DB, 89
Sacks: Malik Holbert, DL, 3.5
Interceptions: Taurence Wilson, DB, 4
Other Key Returnees: WR Juan Anthony Jr, LB Daimen Anderson, LB Mikail Webb
Key Losses: RB De’Shawn Waller, WR Chris Blair, WR Raidsrious Anderson, OL Kevin Hall, DB Owynneterrio Cole, LB Solomon Muhammad, DB Keyron Kinsler Jr
Offense:
Felix Harper was the SWAC’s Offensive Player of the Year last time he was on the field in 2019. In that year he threw for 2,954 yards, 33 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Harper ranked in the top ten in the FCS in passing touchdowns, yards per attempt and passing efficiency. Harper can carry this offense a long way, but he will have some help from returning receivers LeCharles Pringle and Juan Anthony Jr. Pringle tallied a team high 48 receptions for 828 yards and an impressive 14 touchdowns. Anthony added 37 receptions for 396 yards and three scores. Niko Duffey rushed for 835 yards on 161 carries as a freshman and is ready for a big year and Northwestern State transfer Stadford Anderson and junior college transfer Austin Bolton should provide the Braves with plenty of dangerous rushing options.
Defense:
Losing Qwyenterio Cole is a big blow, but this still should be a solid defensive unit. Besides allowing 64 points to North Carolina A&T in the Celebration Bowl, Alcorn State was a good defensive team in 2019. Linebackers Daimen Anderson and Mikail Webb are experienced seniors who are ready to lead the defense. Even without Cole, the secondary still should be in good shape with leading tackler Juwan Taylor and playmaker Taurence Wilson.
The Bottom Line:
Coach McNair has brought in some transfers to help fill the holes and that should be enough for Alcorn State to be the favorites in their new division. The offense will be among the best in the SWAC. The defense has a few more questions to answer, but there are plenty of quality options.
Projected Postseason: None
2020 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: n/a
Passing Offense: n/a
Total Offense: n/a
Scoring Offense: n/a
Rushing Defense: n/a
Pass Defense: n/a
Total Defense: n/a
Scoring Defense: n/a
Turnover Margin: n/a
Sacks: n/a
Sacks Allowed: n/a
