There’s no substitute for momentum and Alcorn State has plenty of it, riding a two-game win streak.

Last week, the Braves handed first-year coach Jay Hopson his biggest win as a head coach, upsetting previously unbeaten Alabama A&M 21-20.

Alcorn State (3-4, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) is aiming for a third straight win to remain in contention for the SWAC Eastern Division crown with Saturday’s game at Prairie View (1-5, 1-3).

Hopson tried to temper Braves’ fans excitement during this week’s SWAC teleconference that Prairie View is no pushover.

“Prairie View had a big win over Grambling, so we expect another battle this week,” Hopson said. “For us, every week is a live and learn experience. As good as the win over Alabama A&M was, the tape doesn’t lie. We have a lot to get corrected.”

What did work for the Braves last week was forcing turnovers. They took away three against A&M, including a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive back Devon Francois.

“The big play by Devon Francois put us up 14-10 and then we came up with a couple more (turnovers),” Hopson said. “Still, we have some things on offense and defense we have to get better at, execution-wise. We let (Kaderius) Lacey run for over 200 yards. He’s a big powerful back, but we have to reduce the running lanes and not let them have a free ride to the second and third level.”

Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones credited Hopson and his team for pulling the upset that has sent shock waves throughout the league.

“Coach Hopson had his team ready to play and they beat us,” Jones said. “People had been singing our praises. We hadn’t thrown an interception all year, but against them, we threw two.”

Alcorn’s improving defense — led by linebackers Donovan Hill and Robert Gainwell — might have some more chances this week to create turnovers. Prairie View quarterback Jerry Lovelock was picked off four times by Jackson State. PVU does have a standout wide receiver in Spencer Nelson (29 receptions for 302 yards).

Prairie View’s other big problem has been its defense. They have given up 38.5 points and 455.6 yards in total offense per game. That’s good news for an Alcorn offense that has struggled to put points on the board.

“We don’t have that poster child guy, everything we do is by committee,” Hopson said of his team’s lack of offensive star power.