Alcorn State
75 miles from Jackson in Lorman, the Alcorn State Braves are the other Mississippi team with a real shot at winning the SWAC and securing a postseason spot in Atlanta.
The most noticeable difference between Alcorn State and Jackson State is that we know the Braves can play together.
Even though Alcorn State decided to opt out of the spring season, forcing them to forfeit six games, this program had won the previous six SWAC East titles.
Head Coach Fred McNair’s squad will be led by gunslinger Felix Harper. There’s a reason his nickname is “Triggerman.” The 2019 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year was recently named the fifth-best quarterback in the FCS by HERO Sports.
Weapons for Harper will include Black College Football Player of the Year watchlist selection LeCharles Pringle, Vanderbilt transfer C.J. Bolar, Juan Anthony, and Manny “Flash” Jones.
In a Tuesday radio interview, McNair made it sound like he’ll be using three tight ends this season: Jeremiah Green, Tavarious Griffin, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff transfer Jeremy Brown. Niko Duffey is expected to get the majority of the reps at running back after an impressive 2019 campaign.
Both the offensive and defensive lines will be full of new faces. The secondary, anchored by Juwan Taylor and Taurence Wilson, will look to have a repeat of 2019 when they led the FCS with 21 interceptions.
Talent won’t be an issue for the Braves, but a big speed bump could be the road-heavy schedule. Out of 11 games, only three will be played at home.
Floor: 6-5
Ceiling: 10-1
