Alcorn’s Southwestern Athletic Conference title defense is put to the test against Mississippi Valley Saturday in Lorman.

The Braves are coming off a win against Alabama State, where they showed their domineering strength to kick off their conference opener. The defense was able to contain the Hornets passing game only allowing 99 yards, but gave up 137 yards on the ground. The Braves hurt themselves with 15 penalties costing them 141 yards in the process.

Valley always presents a tough matchup for Alcorn so they’re not taking this game lightly. Playing a ranked team like Georgia Tech in his season opener prepared the Braves for tough games later in the season.

“We know we always got to be prepared and ready, because it’s always a battle. The Booker (Chambers) kid made a couple of nice plays Thursday night,” Alcorn coach Jay Hopson said during his SWAC teleconference reflecting on Valley’s game against Southern University.

Hopson knows how competitive the SWAC is and has been beaten by every team in his career.

The Braves are built in similar speed and physicality as Southern. The Delta Devils allowed 170 rushing yards and 199 passing yards to the Jaguars losing 50-13. Comergy was impressed with Chambers performance and said he did a fantastic job of running back kickoffs against the Jaguars.

“I’m excited about what’s coming up. Coach has done a real fine job. It looks like they got some real good recruits in there from the junior college ranks that are playing good solid football,” Mississippi Valley coach Rick Comegy said in his SWAC teleconference call.

Comegy believes his team can move the ball against and get some ball control against Alcorn Saturday.

He knows the Braves have an efficient quarterback in John Gibbs Jr. and who will be difficult to stop.

“That quarterback they have is outstanding. I think he’s the quarterback of the year,” Comegy said. “He knows that offense like the back of his hand and can hurt you. We’re going down to a real good football team.”

Gibbs has thrown for 355 yards and rushed for 96 yards against Georgia Tech and Alabama State this season.

He’s completed 34 of 55 attempts through the first two games.