Alcorn State travels to Texas Southern

Despite losing to Prairie View, Alcorn State is closing in on the Eastern Division championship.

The Braves (6-3, 4-2 SWAC) travel to Texas Southern at 1 p.m. Saturday in Houston.

Alcorn has found its starting quarterback for the next two years, Lenorris Footman. The sophomore relieved injured starter John Gibbs two weeks ago against Southern University and played well against the Panthers. The Braves may not play Gibbs until next week's home finale against Alabama A&M at Spinks-Casem Stadium.

"John had to fight for his life to keep the starting job in the spring because Lenorris is that good," Braves coach Jay Hopson said in a SWAC Teleconference Call. "Lenorris is the complete package. He can do it all. We're blessed to have two good quarterbacks."

Delta State at Mississippi College, 2 p.m.: The Statesmen (5-5, 1-5 Gulf South Conference) and Choctaws renew their storied rivalry in the Heritage Bell Classic. The series was last played in 1995 when MC (2-7, 0-5) moved down to Division III. Delta State holds a slight 12-11-1 series lead and regained the Heritage Bell Trophy last season. It's the season finale for both teams.

Delta State was considered a preseason favorite to earn a D-II playoff berth and spent part of the season in the Top 10, but a mid-season injury to starting quarterback Tyler Sullivan killed those apsirations. Sullivan returned in the triple overtime loss to Valdosta State, but the losing streak has reached five.

Millsaps at Rhodes, 1 p.m.: The Majors (2-7, 1-6 Southern Athletic Association) close a disappointing season on the road at Rhodes. Millsaps won its season-opener over Belhaven, but the Majors went on a seven-game losing streak.

However, the Majors have bright spots for the future in freshmen quarterback Chance Clowers and running back Andrew Warren. Millsaps needs to add wide receivers and offensive linemen to compliment th duo next year.

Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State are both off this week.

Belhaven has completed its season. Ocean Springs' Isaiah Swopes tied a school-record with six interceptions for the Blazers.

This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Alcorn State travels to Texas Southern ."