LORMAN — Alcorn State might have lost its SWAC opener last Saturday, but it wasn’t because of quarterback Tim Buckley.

In fact, Buckley had an offensive performance that might have reminded some people of the late, great Steve McNair.

And for that, Buckley was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week, even though the Braves dropped a 48-42 decision to the Southern Jaguars.

Buckley completed 25-of-40 passes for 408 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 52 yards on 18 carries and scored a rushing touchdown.

But even more impressive was the fact that three of Buckley’s touchdown passes and his touchdown run came in the fourth quarter, as the senior tried to lead his team back from a 35-14 deficit.

“Tim is a tremendous athlete for us and did an outstanding job of keeping us in the game,” Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins said. “It was a great performance by him, but Tim will tell you himself, he can throw for 400, 500 or 600 yards, but if we don’t win, it’s all for naught.”

Even in defeat, Collins said Buckley showed tremendous leadership ability and character in leading the fourth quarter comeback that fell six points shy.

“That showed us that Tim won’t quit and will not allow the team to quit,” Collins said. “As long as that young man is out there at quarterback, we’re in any game we’re playing. If he can walk on one leg, he’ll try to get it done.”