lorman — Three turnovers and a few special teams mistakes cost the Alcorn State University football game in its loss to Mississippi Valley State last weekend.

It was the second time this season that critical errors, especially on special teams, cost the Braves in a SWAC matchup.

“(The errors) definitely popped up last week,” head coach Jay Hopson said. “We had a couple issues in the Alabama State game too that cost us. Those two games are very similar. And in the (Mississippi) Valley game, we outgained them, but had too many critical mistakes.”

The Braves have worked hard this week to fix those issues before they host Texas Southern Saturday.

“We’ve had three real good work days,” Hopson said. “Texas Southern is a good football team.”

Texas Southern (2-5, 2-7) will bring a balanced offense and a solid defense to Lorman Saturday, Hopson said.

But Alcorn’s focus is on securing its fourth SWAC victory in Hopson’s first season.

“We are just trying to win four in the conference,” he said. “We want to get that fourth win. I don’t know when that’s been done here. It’s been a little while.”

Alcorn has reached the four-win plateau in the SWAC just once since 2007. The Braves went 4-5 in 2010.

The Braves also finished a stretch of three-straight road games and will finish up the 2012 season with two home games — this week against Texas Southern and Nov. 17 against Jackson State.

“It’s good to end the season at home,” Hopson said. “It’s always good to have our natural setting, and they can sleep in their dorm rooms. We’ve had some good long trips, and it’s good to come home.”

Alcorn State (3-6, 3-4) and Texas Southern will kick off at 2 p.m. on The Reservation.