LORMAN — It may only be the fourth week of the season, but when Alabama State heads into Jack Spinks Stadium to take on the Alcorn State Braves, SWAC East division title implications could be on the line.

Alabama State has a 3-0 record in the SWAC, including an 18-15 upset victory over Prairie View last week, while the Braves have a 1-0 conference mark following a 27-9 win over Mississippi Valley State.

And if the Braves want to play in their first SWAC Championship Game, the Hornets might be the team that stands in their way.

“Regardless of what our records are early in the year, this is a big game,” Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins said. “It adds more interest to the game because both teams are undefeated. (Their record) puts them at the top of the totem poll, and we’ve got to come out and play well on Saturday.”

And when the Braves to take the field for the 4 p.m. contest, they will be doing so with a true freshman quarterback.

Collins said as of now, Brandon Bridge will be the starting quarterback following his quality performance against Mississippi Valley State and a good week of practice.

“We’ll see how he plays and how he does,” Collins said. “He has the talent to drive the car for us.”

Senior Terrence Barnes has started the first two games at quarterback, but Bridge came off the bench to finish both games.

Bridge played most of the game against the Delta Devils last Saturday, completing 10 of 17 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 67 yards on eight carries.

Collins raved about Bridge’s work ethic and will to always get better.

“He is a football player who loves the game,” Collins said. “He is in the film room all the time, working to get better. He was in the film room on Sunday morning after the first game and again after the second game. He’s there hours before he’s required to be. He wants to be the best.”

And Bridge will need to be at his best, because the Braves were dealt a huge blow when sophomore running back Arnold Walker tore his ACL.

Collins said Walker had surgery on Wednesday to repair his knee, and will be out for the remainder of the season.

Walker was supposed to be the big power back as opposed to fellow sophomore Gabriel Nash, who is more of a slasher with more speed.

But now Nash is the featured back, with sophomore Jacque Caldwell as his backup.

“Anytime you lose a 6’2, 220-pound running back, it hurts,” Collins said. “But we have full confidence in Nash and Jacque Caldwell. Those two young men will get it together for us.”