Southern downed Alcorn State 41-28 on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Here are three takeaways from the game:

Defense excelled

Southern’s offense is an easy thing to credit as it scored over 40 points for a third straight time. However, defensive coordinator Todd Lyght called a stellar game defensively. The Jaguars only allowed one touchdown in the second half to a team that led the FCS with 42.5 points. They had moments where it bent, but they never stopped flying around and putting pressure on Alcorn players to make plays. Star defensive end Ckelby Givens continued to amaze, and his teammates followed suit.

Quarterback stayed ready

Southern hasn’t needed its quarterback to throw much in its last few games. That changed against Alcorn State, and Christian Johnson was prepared for his moment to deliver passes. He threw more this game than he did the last two, and displayed good accuracy. Even if he missed a couple open receivers, he moved the offense down the field at opportune times on third downs. Southern knew its running back was electric, and now it was reminded it has a quarterback who can deliver in big games.

Southern is for real

Coach Marshall Faulk’s team has fully turned itself around. The team won back-to-back games by 28 points apiece, but it came against struggling teams. Southern’s 13-point win over Alcorn State is different because the Braves have been among the best HBCU teams this year. The Jaguars are peaking at the right time, and the results they are showing are nothing short of impressive. Southern has a saying: play 11 as one. It has embodied that mantra as it stays alive for the SWAC West championship.