MS HC31

Commends and congratulates the Alcorn State University Braves Football Team for winning the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship with a 38-24 victory over Southern University on December 6, 2014, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Recognizes the team's 10-3 overall record, which marked the program's first 10-win season, tenth SWAC Championship title, and first victory in a SWAC Championship game.

Honors Head Coach Jay Hopson and acknowledges key performances including quarterback John Gibbs, Jr. (SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year and Championship Game Offensive MVP), linebacker William Thomas II (Defensive MVP), and other standout players who earned All-SWAC honors.

Notes the team finished ranked first in the nation in multiple black college sports polls and became the first SWAC Eastern Division team to win the championship game in their first appearance.

Directs copies of the resolution be furnished to Alcorn State University President Alfred Rankins, Jr., Head Coach Jay Hopson, the Mississippi Board of Trustees, and the Capitol Press Corps.