Alabama State left out of FCS Playoffs despite first 10-win season since 2004
Alabama State dominated Tuskegee 58-21 on Thursday for its first 10-win season since 2004, just days after being snubbed from the FCS playoffs.
The Hornets finished 10-2 with the top-ranked offense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Still, the FCS playoff selection committee excluded them from the 24-team bracket announced Sunday. ASU head coach Eddie Robinson believes the snub reflects a broader problem with how the committee evaluates HBCU football.
“For me, it’s not just about Alabama State being left out. It’s about the SWAC Conference on the bigger note,” Robinson said after Thursday’s victory. “Our goal is always to get those teams (from the SWAC and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) into the championship games or into the Celebration Bowl. But at the same time, we want that next team to be able to get the at-large bid.”
The Hornets finished just outside the top 25, receiving the most votes in the FCS Coaches poll to rank 26th. Robinson pointed to Jackson State’s No. 12 ranking as evidence the conference deserves more respect in playoff consideration.
“With Jackson (State) being ranked as high as they were, and I think they should be– I think they’re that type of team. So it makes me think that we can’t be (fourteen) spots below that,” Robinson said.
The Hornets’ only conference loss came in a 38-34 road defeat to Jackson State in the final seconds. ASU also trailed FBS opponent UAB by just a field goal with under two minutes remaining in a 52-42 loss.
Alabama State dominates Turkey Day Classic
Despite the season already being over in terms of FCS playoffs hopes, Alabama State showed up ready to finish strong in the traditional Turkey Day Classic against Tuskegee (4-7, 3-5 SIAC). The Hornets finished with a perfect 8-for-8 conversion rate in the red zone.
Devon Cooper flashed early for Tuskegee with a 67-yard touchdown reception to put the Golden Tigers on the board first. Jamarie Hostzclaw responded with a rushing touchdown that tied the game 7-7 in the first quarter. Tuskegee’s Zinah Mulbah answered with a 20-yard touchdown run to put Tuskegee ahead 14-7.
ASU quarterback Te’Sean Smoot connected with Ajai Harrell in the corner of the end zone to tie the game at 14. However Mulbah scored again to give Tuskegee a 21-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
The momentum shifted when Ta’Shaun Sims intercepted a Tuskegee pass, setting up Marcus Harris for a touchdown that put the Hornets ahead 28-21 midway through the second quarter. Sims later returned his second interception 42 yards for a pick-six as Alabama State pulled away.
Alabama State won 10 games for the first time in two decades. For Robinson, being left out of the playoffs reinforces his belief that SWAC teams beyond the conference champion deserve consideration for at-large bids.
