LORMAN — When Alcorn State and Jackson State clash this Saturday, the fact that the teams have had nearly opposite seasons will mean nothing.

Alcorn State clinched the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern division title last weekend and boasts a 7-3 record.

On the other hand, in-state rival Jackson State sits at 3-7 and is coming off an embarrassing 56-14 loss to Prarie View A&M.

Rewind to last year, when the Braves were heavily favored against the reeling Tigers and playing at home.

Jackson State went into Lorman and downed the Braves 34-31, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of Alcorn players.

“We are pumped for this game,” Alcorn quarterback Lenorris Footman said.

So this year, all focus will be on the Tigers as the Braves travel to Jackson for the game.

“We have to get ready for this game,” Alcorn State head coach Jay Hopson said following his team’s win against Alabama A&M. “The next game is the biggest game, and that opponent is Jackson State. This week will be all about Jackson State.”

The key to the game could come down to the Alcorn running game.

The Braves set a school record against Alabama A&M with 500 yards on the ground, and are coming up against a Tigers defense that is allowing nearly 200 rushing yards per game.

“Pretty much everybody was doing what they were supposed to do,” Footman said of the team’s rushing performance against Alabama A&M. “The offensive line got a really good push and the receivers blocked well on the perimeter.”

Footman rushed for a team-high 142 yards in the contest and will look to keep up a successful year carrying the football as he approaches the 1,000 yard mark for the season.

Jackson State has also struggled defending the pass, giving up a little over 200 yards in the air per game.

Alcorn, however, struggled in their most recent contest throwing the ball, completing just two of 13 passes in the game.

On the flip side, Alcorn State has defended the pass well this season, but it has been a strength for the Tigers. Jackson State is averaging nearly 300 yards passing per game, but will be forced to turn to Jarin Morikawa after starter LaMontiez Ivy suffered an ankle injury sidelining him for the rest of the season.

Morikawa has started three games for the Tigers and passed for 551 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Tigers haven’t been much of a threat running the ball, with no backs eclipsing the 500 yard mark for the season.

The leading rusher for the team is Robert Johnson with 409 yards.

Kickoff between Alcorn State and Jackson State will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Jackson at Veterans Memorial Stadium.