Alcorn State vs Southern Miss Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 5 2026

Alcorn State travels to Hattiesburg to face Southern Miss on Saturday, September 5 at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET, with ESPN+ providing coverage. Southern Miss is currently favored by 21 points, while the total is set at 50.5. Alcorn State has already played once this season, while this will be the 2026 opener for Southern Miss. Get into the action with our free college football picks.

Alcorn State Has Game Experience

Unlike Southern Miss, Alcorn State has already gone through its season opener.

That provides the Braves with some practical value. They have already experienced game speed, substitutions and live execution, while Southern Miss will be going through those adjustments for the first time.

Alcorn State is also getting exactly three touchdowns.

That provides plenty of protection if the Braves can prevent Southern Miss from generating easy points through turnovers and short fields.

Southern Miss Should Have the Advantage

Southern Miss gets home field and the FBS depth advantage.

The Golden Eagles should be capable of controlling the line of scrimmage as the game progresses, and oddsmakers clearly agree by making them three-touchdown favorites.

The total of 50.5 is important, however. This isn't being priced as a massive shootout.

If Alcorn State can reach somewhere around 14 to 17 points, Southern Miss could have difficulty creating the margin required to cover without also pushing the game toward the Over.

Alcorn State vs Southern Miss Picks and Prediction

Pick: Alcorn State +21

I'm taking Alcorn State +21. The Braves have already played, they're receiving the full three touchdowns, and the relatively modest total increases the value of those points. Southern Miss can win comfortably without covering. A final around Southern Miss 31, Alcorn State 17 gives the Golden Eagles a two-touchdown victory while easily cashing the Braves. Getting the full +21 rather than +20.5 is important. Take Alcorn State +21.

Pick: Under 50.5

I'll pair Alcorn State with Under 50.5. The Braves' best route to covering involves shortening the game and preventing Southern Miss from generating repeated explosive scoring possessions. Something around 31-17 or 30-17 lands below the current total. Take Under 50.5.

Final Picks: Alcorn State +21 and Under 50.5