After picking up its first conference win of the season last week, the Alcorn State football team faces a short week and another nationally televised contest tonight.
Similar to last Saturday, the Braves (1-0, 1-0 SWAC) host another struggling opponent in Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
UAPB (0-2) fell to a second-year program last week, Panhandle State, 20-16. It was Panhandle State’s first Division I win in school history.
There are still some questions on the Braves’ sideline.
Tight end Brandon Campbell was lost for the season during Alcorn’s win over Alabama State with a meniscus tear.
Quarterback Lenorris Footman was not dressed for the entire second half last week after rolling his ankle. School officials said his status has not been determined, but ASU coach Fred McNair remains optimistic.
“Lenorris is going to be fine, he has a little soreness in his ankle,” McNair said. “We’re just going to play it by ear now and give those guys the proper treatment they need.”
Tonight’s game is set to kickoff at 6:30 p.m., and McNair said the biggest challenge of the short week is ensuring key players are healed up while still trying to install a game plan for their SWAC rival.
“The biggest thing is trying to get the guys who are nicked up back,” McNair said. “It’s a short week for us … There’s a challenge for us, but I think the coaching staff is dialed into what we have to do for a Thursday night ballgame.”
The contest will be nationally televised on ESPNU.