If the college football season were one long game, Alcorn State would be getting ready for the two-minute drill before halftime.

The Braves (3-1, 2-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) will go on the road Saturday to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-3, 0-2) in their last game before embarking on an odd October. Two of the next three weeks are open dates, and then they’ll hit the five-game stretch run after that.

“I kind of like it because we basically have a five-game season, one in the middle, and then another five-game season. It allows guys to get healthy and get stronger for that final push,” Alcorn coach Jay Hopson said.

Hopson’s sunny attitude is probably helped by Alcorn’s recent success. Since getting blitzed 69-7 by Georgia Tech in the season opener, the Braves have won three in a row in lopsided fashion. They’ve outscored Alabama State, Mississippi Valley State and Concordia College (Ala.) 126-35.

Alcorn ranks 10th in the Football Championship Subdivision in total defense, second in pass defense, and is first in the SWAC in rushing offense. They’ve allowed just 202 rushing yards total over the last three games.

Hopson was especially pleased with last week’s 40-7 win over Concordia. Alcorn led 13-0 at halftime before pulling away in the second half. The way the Braves responded and found a way to win on a day they weren’t at their best was good to see, Hopson said.

“Those games are always good, as long as you win,” Hopson said. “It’s good to have that weekend where you don’t play your best and still get a win. No team is going to be at its best for all 11 games. I really liked that game and the way they responded. You need those games. That’s vital in a season.”

Now, before they take their midseason mini vacation, the Braves need to get one more win.

UAPB has lost two in a row, dropping a 24-20 decision to Texas Southern and 28-9 last week against Alabama A&M. The Golden Lions rank ninth in the 10-team SWAC in scoring offense, at 16.2 points per game.

UAPB utilizes a two-quarterback system with Marcus Terrell and Nolan Sorensen. Terrell has gotten the bulk of the work, completed 46 of 91 passes for 483 yards while rushing for 157 yards. Sorenson has completed 13 of 35 passes for 224 yards.

Neither quarterback has shown much in the way of ball security. They’ve combined to throw 10 interceptions.

Alcorn won last year’s meeting 56-5 in Lorman, and UAPB hasn’t had a winning season since going 10-2 and winning the SWAC title in 2012. Even so, Hopson — who admitted some of it is ingrained coach’s paranoia and clichés — was wary.

“They’re a two-quarterback system, and both guys are athletic and make plays. They give you different looks,” Hopson said. “I know it’s a coaching cliché, but we’ve got to be ready to play on Saturday.”