LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State, juggling its football schedule after Hurricane Gustav disrupted the season opener, will play Alcorn State on Oct. 4 in Las Cruces, filling what had been a bye week.

Last week's home game against Nicholls State has been canceled. That contest, scheduled for Sept. 4, initially was postponed after the Louisiana school faced safety concerns and travel difficulties with Gustav approaching the gulf coast.

"Our administration did an excellent job finding us another game," New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme said. "Our players and fans deserve to have their sixth home game back, so we are really happy about that."

NMSU administrators said tickets for the Nicholls State game will be honored for Alcorn State. It will be the first meeting between Alcorn State, a Mississippi school, and New Mexico State.