STARKVILLE (AP) — Mississippi State will host Alcorn State in a non-conference football game next season at Davis Wade Stadium.

It’s the fourth time in five seasons that the Bulldogs have played an in-state opponent during their non-conference schedule. Mississippi State announced on Wednesday that the game is set for Sept. 7.

Mississippi State has played Jackson State and Alcorn State in the recent past and has a series with Southern Miss scheduled in 2014 and 2015.

Mississippi State athletics director Scott Stricklin said in a statement that it’s “important” to schedule in-state rivalries and feels “it benefits Mississippi State University, as well as our opponents and the state of Mississippi.”