LORMAN — The schedule says that Alcorn State is playing a home game this week. However, it will most likely feel like a road game for the Braves.

That means only one thing — the Southern Jaguars are coming to town.

The Jaguars and their rabid fan base will land on the Reservation Saturday evening for a 5 p.m. game at Jack Spinks Stadium.

Alcorn State coach Ernest Jones thinks the Jags will bring at least 10,000 fans to the game, which is more than double what Alcorn usually draws on a normal Saturday.

“The thing I like is it’s going to be an awesome atmosphere,” Jones said. “Jaguar nation is going to follow them. I’m excited to match wits with (Southern) coach (Pete) Richardson. It’s awesome to have this team playing on our campus.”

Both teams come into the game following their first wins of the season.

Southern (1-2) defeated Mississippi Valley State 49-7 two weeks ago, while Alcorn State (1-3) was victorious over Arkansas-Pine Bluff by the score of 13-3 last Thursday night.

“I gave the team 24 hours to enjoy that victory and then we had to get ready because Southern was coming to town,” Jones said. “We want to win this game at home because our next three games are on the road.”

Another reason Jones really wants to win this game is because it’s Alcorn’s first official SWAC game of the season.

The Braves have played two SWAC schools already (Grambling and Arkansas-Pine Bluff) but those games did not count in the standings.

Saturday’s game is the first one that will count.

“We don’t want to start 0-1 in the conference,” Jones said. “It’s opening week. The preseason is over and it’s time to get down to business. Every win counts and every loss counts.”

In order for the Braves to win, Jones knows his defense will have to stop Southern quarterback Bryant Lee, who was named the SWAC preseason offensive player of the year.

“He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, if not the best,” Jones said. “He can get it done with his feet and his arm. This guy is good.”

Jones said it will be key for the Alcorn defensive to get pressure on Lee.

“Our defensive line has to put pressure on him and keep him in the box, because he can do it with his feet too.” Jones said. “We can not give him time to get the ball to his receivers.”

While Jones is worried about Southern’s quarterback, the Alcorn State quarterback situation gives him nothing to worry about.

Starter Tim Buckley was knocked out of last Thursday’s game late in the third quarter with bruised ribs, but Jones said Buckley took every snap in practice with the first team this week and is ready to go.

“Tim’s a soldier,” Jones said. “He’s ready to roll on Saturday.”