Football isn't always about the bright lights of the SEC or the massive NIL deals dominating the headlines. Sometimes, the most compelling stories are found in Natchitoches, Louisiana, or Lorman, Mississippi. If you missed the latest Alcorn State vs NW State matchup on August 28, 2025, you missed a game that quite literally rewrote the narrative for one program while exposing the early-season jitters of another.
It was a Thursday night. Harry "Rags" Turpin Stadium was buzzing with 9,434 fans—a solid turnout for a season opener. Northwestern State (the "Demons") walked into that game carrying a weight no team wants: a 20-game losing streak. That is almost two full years without a "W."
Then, things got weird.
The Night the Streak Died
Northwestern State managed to snap that brutal 20-game skid with a 20-10 victory over the Alcorn State Braves. Honestly, the score doesn't tell the whole story of how messy and intense this game actually felt. Alcorn State actually had more first downs (18 to 12) and more total yards (301 to 267). On paper, the Braves should have walked away with a win.
But football is rarely played on paper.
The turning point was basically a disaster for Alcorn's special teams. In the first quarter, Alcorn was punting from their own 44-yard line. The snap went sailing—way over the head of punter Demetrion Duvall. Ty Moore, a name Alcorn fans probably still see in their nightmares, scooped the ball up at the 8-yard line and walked into the end zone. Just like that, it was 13-0.
Alcorn State vs NW State: By the Numbers
If you're a stats junkie, the breakdown of this game is a bit of a head-scratcher. Alcorn State dominated the air, but Northwestern State owned the ground.
- Passing: Jaylon Tolbert (Alcorn) threw for 182 yards but had 2 costly interceptions. Abram Johnston (NWST) only threw for 85 yards but played a clean, smart game with one touchdown.
- Rushing: This is where the Demons won. They put up 182 yards on the ground compared to Alcorn's 119.
- Penalties: Alcorn State absolutely killed themselves here. 15 penalties for 123 yards. You just can't win like that.
Alcorn did show a spark of life in the third quarter. Orlandus McLaurin snatched a 72-yard pick-six that momentarily silenced the Natchitoches crowd. Shortly after, Grandin Willcox nailed a 51-yard field goal. Suddenly, it was 13-10. The comeback felt real. But the Demons' defense tightened up, and a late touchdown by Myion Hicks sealed Alcorn's fate.
The Historical Context You're Missing
The Alcorn State vs NW State series isn't a weekly rivalry, but it’s a regional clash that dates back to 1982. After the 2025 meeting, the head-to-head record is dead even at 2-2.
- 1982: Northwestern State won 28-7.
- 1983: Alcorn State took it 24-20.
- 2021: Alcorn State won a defensive struggle 13-10.
- 2025: Northwestern State leveled the series with a 20-10 win.
It's weirdly balanced. Neither team has ever won on the other's home turf in this specific series. Home-field advantage is a massive factor when these two meet.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Teams
People tend to overlook the talent in the SWAC (Alcorn) and the Southland Conference (NWST). While Alcorn struggled in that opener, they actually finished their 2025 season with some serious hardware. Five Braves earned SWAC Postseason Awards, including linebacker Stemarion Edwards and running back Reggie Davis.
Northwestern State, despite the high of beating Alcorn, actually had a rough 2025. They finished 1-11. That means their only win of the entire year was against Alcorn State.
Think about that.
For Alcorn, it was a "what if" game that probably cost them a winning season. For Northwestern State, it was a singular moment of joy in an otherwise grueling year.
What Really Happened With the Coaches?
There's always pressure in these games. Alcorn State’s coaching staff was clearly frustrated by the 15 penalties. You could see it on the sidelines. Discipline was the difference. Northwestern State didn't play a "perfect" game, but they played a disciplined one. They didn't turn the ball over three times like Alcorn did.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re looking ahead to when these two might meet again or just following FCS football, here is the reality:
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- Watch the Special Teams: As we saw in 2025, one bad snap can end a game before the second quarter even starts. Alcorn’s Demetrion Duvall is a great punter (2nd Team All-SWAC), but he can't do much if the snap isn't there.
- Ground Game is King: Northwestern State wins when they can run the ball. In 2025, they out-rushed Alcorn by nearly 70 yards.
- Discipline Over Talent: Alcorn arguably had the better roster in 2025, but 123 penalty yards is an anchor no team can swim with.
Keep an eye on the 2026 schedules. Northwestern State has already announced their slate, and while Alcorn isn't on there for the coming year, the regional proximity means they’ll likely be back on the calendar soon. When they do play, ignore the records. In the Alcorn State vs NW State saga, the underdog usually has a very sharp set of teeth.
To stay ahead of the next meeting, track the recruiting classes for both the Southland and the SWAC. The transfer portal has made these rosters incredibly fluid, so the team you see in August might look nothing like the one from the previous November.