Mississippi Valley State’s 2-3 record doesn’t immediately jump off the page, but the Delta Devils are currently riding more momentum than they’ve had in nearly a decade.
On the heels of the program’s first winning streak since 2012, MVSU returns home to Rice-Totten Stadium on Saturday afternoon to host Alcorn State. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. between the Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals.
The Delta Devils (2-3, 1-1 SWAC) broke into the Clarion Ledger’s Top 10 SWAC rankings at No. 9 after rallying for their second comeback win in a row at Bethune-Cookman. MVSU’s defense had another huge day in the 20-14 triumph, not allowing a single point when it mattered most in the second half. Caleb Johnson led the offense with 96 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
Two weeks ago, Johnson was also key to the Delta Devils’ victory as the sophomore standout rushed for 71 yards and hauled in the game-winning touchdown catch at the end of regulation.
An improved passing attack has helped open up space for Johnson in the running game. Graduate transfer quarterback Jalani Eason threw a touchdown pass for the second straight week, connecting with Datavious Porter for a 22-yard touchdown to cap off a 10-play, 71-yard drive.
Alcorn State figures to pose a greater challenge for MVSU this week. Ranked No. 2 in the Clarion Ledger’s latest SWAC rankings, the Braves (3-2) are coming off a pair of impressive league wins against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (39-38) and Grambling State (24-20). However, Alcorn State did lose to North Carolina Central in the season opener while the Delta Devils beat the Eagles (2-4) two weeks ago.
- Contact Riley Overend at 662-581-7237 or roverend@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow @OverendOut on Twitter.
