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| John Gibbs Jr. (3) threw for three touchdowns and ran for 132 yards. (AP Photo) |
By Steven J. Gaither
Two decades after its last title, Alcorn State can finally call itself SWAC Champions. Alcorn beat Southern 38-24 at Reliant Stadium to pick up its ninth SWAC title, its first since 1994.
Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. was awarded the MVP trophy for his performance. The 6’6 junior from Houston was at his dual-threat best, completing 20 of 30 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 132 on the ground.
Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and all of the Alcornites who helped make this win possible. #2014SWACChampions @BRAVESSPORTS
– JAY HOPSON (@COACHJAYHOPSON) December 7, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js “John played tremendous,” Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson said. “He has been our leader since he has been here. He started since he was a true freshman. We threw him into the fire. . John has been tremendous this whole season.”
ASU jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, and led 24-10 at the half. Southern would score two touchdowns in the first five minutes of the second half to tie the game at 24, but a 4 yard run by Anthony Williams III gave Alcorn the lead for good.
Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and all of the Alcornites who helped make this win possible. #2014SWACChampions @BRAVESSPORTS
– JAY HOPSON (@COACHJAYHOPSON) December 7, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js The win was Alcorn’s first since the SWAC moved to the championship game format. Prior to that, ASU won it’s last title in 1994 (splitting it with Grambling State) and its last outright one in 1992, both under late NFL great Steve McNair.
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