LORMAN — The Alcorn State Braves had a pretty good couple of weeks at Jack Spinks Stadium.

The Braves won both of their home games the past two weeks, set a Football Championship Subdivision record for sacks in a game, forced a combined nine turnovers, and most importantly, pulled into sole possession of first place in the SWAC East Division.

But with the comforts of a two-game home stand behind them, the Braves (2-3, 2-1) will venture back out on the road to do something they have yet to do this season — win away from home.

“Everyone around campus is happy we won two games, but we still haven’t won a game on the road,” Alcorn coach Earnest Collins said. “We still have to prove we can play away from home, especially in a season where we only have three home games. We want to win more than three games this season, so we’ve got to go on the road and win games.”

Alcorn will get its first chance to win a road game Saturday when the Braves travel to Montgomery to take on an Alabama State team that Collins says is better than its 0-3 SWAC record indicates.

“Alabama State probably has one of the best defenses in the SWAC,” Collins said. “I don’t think they have allowed a 100-yard rusher all year. We’ve got to be ready for a battle. They may be 0-3, but they have a good football team.”

While the Alabama State defense is playing well, the Hornets’ offense leaves a lot to be desired.

Alabama State has scored a total of just 25 points in three SWAC games, including a 10-3 loss to a Mississippi Valley State team Alcorn defeated 32-10 two weeks ago.

Making matters worse for the Alabama State offense is the fact that the Alcorn State defense has played extremely well the past two weeks.

The Braves defense has allowed an average of 13 points, forced nine turnovers and returned two fumbles for touchdowns in the past two games, wins over Mississippi Valley State and Alabama A&M.

That is something Collins wants to see continue.

“You always want to have a great defense, no matter what the offense is doing,” Collins said. “The old cliché is that defense wins championships. If we can keep people from scoring, we’re always going to have a chance to win the game.”

And if the Braves can do that, they’ll end up in the SWAC championship game in December.

Alcorn State controls its destiny in the East Division, and if it wins out, will play for the SWAC championship at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 12.

“It’s always good to know that you control where you go,” Collins said. “You don’t have to depend on anybody else to get to your ultimate goal. If we continue to take care of our business and do what we’re capable of doing, we’ll have a reason to celebrate at the end of the season.”