Lorman — The Alcorn State University Braves (4-2) has picked up their defense within the past week after their first shutout win in nine years against Warner University.

The Braves now prepare to shift their momentum into Saturday’s game against Grambling State University at the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, Ind.

The Braves only allowed 65 yards of total offense against the Royals and head coach Jay Hopson said it was something they’ve been striving for all year.

“I thought we played pretty good assignment football,” he said. “We created some turnovers and I was excited about that.”

Defensive back CJ Morgan made a big impact last week with an interception returned for a 50-yard touchdown.

Hopson said turning defense into offense is a feat they’ve been looking to accomplish every game, and Morgan pointed the defense in the right direction.

“It’s something we try to emphasize to the them,” Hopson said.

The Braves also rank No. 1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in pass defense.

Along with tightening up their defense, Hopson said their offense has gotten a little more versatile after several second and third string players saw significant playing time against Warner.

Quarterbacks Zerick Rollins Jr. and T.J. Menning both got their feet wet and threw their first career touchdowns.

“We want to create some depth, because we’re going to need those guys down the stretch,” Hopson said.

Though the Braves have seen improvement, Hopson said playing a team like Grambling would require even more focus and intensity from his players.

“They are a different type of obstacle,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll create some turnovers. Offensively, we need to keep a balanced attack, and hopefully we move the ball well.”

Alcorn will play Grambling at 3 p.m. Saturday.