To the rest of the world, Saturday’s game between Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff is absolutely meaningless.

To Alcorn coach Jay Hopson, it might be the most important game his team plays all season.

The Braves have already wrapped up the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division championship. However, Hopson said, seeing how his players handle success and the mundane nature of a late-season game outside the title race will say a lot about them.

“It’s probably one of the most challenging games we’ll have as players and coaches. We have to be locked in,” Hopson said. “You find out a lot about the maturity of your football team in games like this.”

Alcorn (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) blew out Alabama A&M 41-14 last week — it was Alcorn’s seventh win by at least 26 points this season — to clinch the Eastern Division title for the first time.

The Braves used a familiar formula for success as John Gibbs, Jr. ran for two touchdowns and threw a TD pass in building a 35-0 halftime lead. Alcorn has scored 176 points in the second quarter this season, and outscored opponents 283-105 in the first half.

Alcorn has scored at least 28 points in seven of its eight victories, and led by double digits at halftime in all of them.

“There’s no magic formula,” Hopson said of the Braves’ success in the first half. “We want that to happen in both halves.”

Alcorn is averaging a SWAC-leading 44.7 points per game — and also has the league’s best defense — which could spell trouble for Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Golden Lions are fifth in the 10-team SWAC in total offense, but dead last in total defense.

Hopson was still wary of UAPB, though.

Quarterback Benjamin Anderson ranks third in the SWAC in passing yardage, with 232.9 yards per game. He’s thrown 16 touchdown passes and also ranks in the top 10 in the SWAC in rushing yards per game.

“They’re an explosive football team. They’re a team that plays fast and plays physical,” Hopson said. “They’ve played everybody tough, so we have to be ready for them.”

Hopson added that the Braves need to shake off any championship hangover lingering from last week. He said the team addressed that at a meeting early this week, and felt it wouldn’t be a problem.

“It was a good day (last) Saturday, and certainly a nice accomplishment,” Hopson said. “But we’re still in the season. We’ve got to get ready to roll.”