Breaking down Saturday's game:

The Setup

Alcorn State has already the SWAC East Division title, so bragging rights are the only thing the Braves are playing for in this game. JSU currently holds those rights after beating Alcorn State, 34-31, last season. The Tigers have won four of the past five matchups in this series and want another victory against their rivals.

Quarterback Jarin Morikawa struggled in the Texas wind against Prairie View A&M last week. He’ll need a bounce-back performance in what may be Derrick McCall’s last game as JSU’s coach. McCall, the Tigers interim coach, has posted a 2-3 record since he took over for Harold Jackson, who won the only game he coached against the Braves.

3 THINGS WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Will the Tigers fix defensive issues?

JSU’s defense has struggled against the SWAC’s top teams. The Tigers surrendered 50 points to Southern, 59 to Grambling and 56 last week to Prairie View A&M. Alcorn State’s offensive attack compares well to those, so JSU will have to step up on the defensive side of the ball. The defense could get some help if the offense were to sustain some drives, too.

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