Marshall Faulk’s offense is on fire.

Before this season, the last time Southern scored at least 40 points in back-to-back games was in 2022.

The Jaguars will likely need this surge in scoring to continue for a third game when they play Alcorn State (6-4, 4-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium to keep their hopes of the SWAC West title alive.

The Braves are first in the FCS in scoring (42.5 points), second in passing yards (3,049) and third in total offense (4,874).

“They're not going to stop throwing it,” Faulk said. “They're number one in passing for a reason. Number one in scoring for a reason. And I see no reason for them to stop doing what they do best just because they're playing us. So we welcome the challenge, and I look forward to seeing it up close.”

Southern is the opposite of Alcorn State in how it prefers to move the ball. While Alcorn relies on quarterback Jaylon Tolbert to sling it all around the field, Southern running back Trey Holly is going to be tasked with leading his offense on the ground. He is sixth in the FCS in rushing yards (1,248) and tied for seventh in rushing touchdowns.

In Southern’s most recent 45-17 win over Bethune-Cookman, Holly arguably had his best game, running for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Alcorn State coach Cedric Thomas said his team has to be lined up appropriately to prevent explosive rushes.

“Look at some defensive structures where guys are, just nobody on the edge,” the third-year coach said about what he’s seen of Southern’s recent opponents. “They're giving you a lot of four-, five-man, six-man surface to a side, but you got an explosive running back that jump cuts into the perimeter, and nobody's there. (Southern does) a good job up front, just kind of mashing you around. But we just got to be sound, you know, gap-fitted. Got to tackle the football. So if we do those things, we like our chances.”

For Southern, limiting Alcorn State’s pass-reliant offense is the center of the game plan. The Jaguars have improved as of late in pass defense, proving it can take balls out of the air.

They are third in conference play with seven interceptions, three in their last two games. Faulk acknowledged his secondary’s growth.

“I like the fact that they meet the challenge, and they don't back down,” Faulk said of his defensive backs. “You're gonna get beat. When they get beat, they line back up, and for (defensive coordinator Todd) Lyght, ‘Call more man (defense). Put me in a position to make a play.’

“We have a high-power offense coming in … and our pass defense is actually pretty darn good. So I can't wait to see the matchup. I want to see our guys, you know, get after it and get after them, and make it a physical game.”

Southern is second in SWAC play in passing yards allowed (160.5).

Along with standouts like safety Herman Brister — who has 51 tackles and two interceptions — Southern has seen a big jump in cornerback Ty Lee. He has 50 tackles, a team-leading eight pass breakups and an interception.

Thomas complimented the length and athleticism of Southern’s secondary, saying Tolbert has to be mindful of them and avoid interceptions. The senior quarterback has thrown for 2,995 yards, an FCS-leading 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions and completed 65.3% of his passes.

“Their quarterback, he's really good, and he's disciplined,” Faulk said. “But he believes in his receivers, and he'll throw the ball up and expect his guys to make a play. We got to be there to take advantage of that.”

Alcorn State coach said he was impressed with Southern’s defensive line, which has gotten healthier with the recent returns of defensive end Jordyn Dickerson and defensive tackle Darren Scott. Their inclusion allows players like standout defensive end Ckelby Givens to get more rest during games.

“Anytime you're taking the ball out the air, you got to look up front, and you see the D-ends,” Thomas said. “You got to always check where Mr. Givens at. You know, a couple months ago, this kid was in the NFL (rookie) camp, so you can tell the skill set and just the ability that he has. You know, being able to get those tips and nuggets, we understand from that level. You go on the other end and got another defensive end that's long and athletic that can put pressure on the quarterback. So we got to do a good job up front of knowing what those guys are doing from a schematic standpoint.

Givens is fifth in the SWAC in both sacks and tackles for loss, with five and 11 in eight games, respectively.

A potential x-factor will be Southern’s discipline coming off its most penalized performance in a 28-point win over Bethune-Cookman. It had 17 flags for 100 yards. After the poor showing in this aspect, Southern is still averaging the second-fewest penalty yards in the SWAC (52.3)

“It was the emphasis,” Faulk said. “You know, Sunday as I praise them for winning the game and all the things that goes with it, I had to show them like the self-destructive manner in which, if we were in a close game, we beat ourselves.”

Southern wants to play its brand of football: dominate time of possession by running the ball. However, Faulk said he won’t be reluctant to ask more of quarterback Christian Johnson if necessary.

“I don't think anybody that's playing football is good enough to dictate how they can win a game,” Faulk said. “If we have to line up and get in our 10 personnel and throw the ball around, then we'll do that.”