Alcorn State @ Mississippi State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Alcorn State 16, Mississippi State 49

Mississippi State is seeking to bounce back from its first season-opening loss in five years, but the Bulldogs will have to do it without starting quarterback Tyler Russell when they host Alcorn State on Saturday afternoon. Russell suffered a concussion in last week's 21-3 loss to nationally ranked Oklahoma State and is doubtful for Saturday, putting sophomore Dak Prescott in line for his first career start. "It's a great opportunity for him," Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen said of Prescott at his Monday news conference.

It will mark the home opener for Mississippi State, which did not distinguish itself against the Big 12 Conference preseason favorite at Houston's Reliant Stadium. Alcorn State, an FCS school that plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, will be taking a major step up in class against its in-state rival after dismantling NAIA opponent Edward Waters 63-12 in its season opener. The Braves were 4-7 in 2012, including a 4-5 mark in conference play.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3, CSS. LINE: None.

ABOUT ALCORN STATE (1-0): The Braves scored early and often against overmatched Edward Waters, getting three first-half touchdowns from running back Arnold Walker en route to a commanding 49-6 lead at the break. Walker, who set a career high with the three rushing scores, ran for 75 yards and needs 136 yards to be among the school's top-10 career leaders on the ground. John Gibbs Jr. threw for 184 yards and a TD and ran for 59 more and a score while the defense and special teams combined to register five turnovers.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (0-1): The Bulldogs scored on their opening possession last week and went into a deep freeze thereafter, converting only 2-of-16 third-down attempts. Running back LaDarius Perkins, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, appeared on his way to a big game with 105 total yards at halftime but had minus-3 yards rushing after intermission. Prescott was 7-for-17 for 89 yards and an interception in relief of Russell, spoiling a solid performance by the defense, which held Oklahoma State under 30 points for only the second time in 34 games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bulldogs are 3-0 against SWAC opponents and routed the Braves 49-16 in the only meeting between the schools in October 2010.

2. Mississippi State is 3-1 in home openers under coach Mullen, who needs one win to become the first coach in school history to reach 30 in his first five seasons.

3. Alcorn State's 63 points marked its highest total since a 66-0 drubbing of Prairie View in 2003.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 44, Alcorn State 17