Mississippi Valley State is looking to bounce back from a bad loss — one head coach Karl Morgan calls the worst in his four-year tenure.
The Delta Devils lost 58-14 at Prairie View, dropping to 1-6 overall, 1-4 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, as they were outgained 532-178 in total yards. Prairie View also had 29 first downs to Valley’s 12.
“I didn’t have any idea we would get beat, much less like that. We got totally out-played and out-coached. We have put that behind us with some spirited practices this week. I think the homecoming atmosphere has helped our guys’ energy level this week,” Morgan said.
That’s the bad news. The good news is winless Arkansas-Pine Bluff is the opponent for Saturday’s homecoming game.
The Golden Lions are the defending SWAC champs and the preseason favorite to repeat in the Western Division, but they have been hurt with the loss of key returnees not cleared to play this year, mainly for academics and foul-ups in the compliance office. With a young group, they’ve had trouble finishing games (7.2 ppg average margin of defeat in SWAC play) — just as Valley has done.
The Delta Devils lost their first three conference games by an average of 8.67 points before the blowout loss at Prairie View last Saturday. Valley has been outscored 109-52 in the second half this season.
“I know Pine Bluff is looking at us as their best chance for a win so far. We’re pretty hungry for a win too. It should come down to who wants it the most and who makes the fewest mistakes.”
