LORMAN— The Alcorn State Braves just had the best week of their season.

No, they didn’t pull off a big road win or take a home upset over a SWAC powerhouse.

They simply had the week off. And that, according to coach Johnny Thomas, could have been the best thing to happen to them.

“We really needed that off week,” Thomas said as his Braves prepare to take on Mississippi Valley State Saturday at 2 p.m. in Lorman. “It really helped us tremendously in terms of rehabilitating and treating injuries.”

The Braves (1-6, 1-5 SWAC) have been ravaged by injuries all season, especially at the quarterback position. Unfortunately, the bye week couldn’t take care of all the Braves’ injury problems.

Quarterback Chris Walker is out with a separated shoulder, clearing the way for Tony Hobson to start against the Delta Devils (2-6, 2-5 SWAC). However, Thomas said Tim Buckley should also see action at the position.

Thomas said he expects a great game between the two rivals, especially considering both teams need a victory in order to salvage some part of their season.

“Valley is one of our arch rivals,” Thomas said. “It is never an easy game with them. Both teams need victories very badly. The intensity level is much greater than other ball games. Preparation and focus will be the key to a victory.”

The Braves had been playing better in the two games before the bye week. They defeated Texas Southern 22-20 in Houston and fell to Southern 14-10 in Baton Rouge.

Mississippi Valley State is coming off a 26-21 loss to Prairie View A&M last Saturday.

Alcorn lost to Prairie View 17-7 last month.

Thomas said this game is very important for the Braves as they hit the home stretch of the season.

“Everybody is going to by hyped and pumped for this game,” Thomas said. “Beating our arch rival will give a lift and help make up for what we didn’t do earlier in the season.”