Former Lincoln and Copiah County football players played big roles Saturday at the Division I level in college football.

Former Brookhaven and current Mississippi State linebacker Leo Lewis got the start at middle linebacker in the Bulldogs’ 57-21 win over Louisiana Tech Saturday night. Former Wesson Cobra and current Bulldog Farrod Green also played for Mississippi State Saturday.

Former Panther and current Alcorn State wide receiver Norlando Veals helped keep the Braves in their game against Florida International Friday night, but Alcorn fell by a score of 17-10 to move to 1-1 on the 2017 college football season.

At middle linebacker, Lewis played better for the Bulldog defense with three total tackles, including one solo tackle and 0.5 sacks in the game.

The distractions are starting to fly around Lewis as it was reported that the sophomore was in Covington, Kentucky at Ole Miss’ Committee on Infractions meeting to testify in the Rebels NCAA case.

Lewis showed improvement in Mississippi State’s victory Saturday, but can the sophomore shake off the outside noise that surrounds him before their game against LSU Saturday?

Sophomore tight end Green made his second consecutive start for the Bulldogs Saturday at Louisiana Tech. The former Cobra did not register a catch in the game. Green will look to get more targets Saturday when Mississippi State hosts the LSU Tigers.

Veals shined once again for Alcorn State, but this time his efforts weren’t enough as the Braves lost their first game of the season Friday night in Birmingham, Alabama.

Veals led the team in receiving for the second straight week with four catches for 69 yards in the game. Veals also hauled in the longest reception of the game for the Braves offense on a 47-yard catch.

Alcorn State returns home to face McNeese State Saturday at Spinks-Casem Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.