ITTA BENA, Miss. – After a solid performance from the Delta Devils that ultimately fell 20 yards short of an upset win against Tennessee State, Mississippi Valley State now heads to Beaumont, Texas for a Week 2 showdown with Lamar. This will be the first meeting between Valley and the Cardinals, who compete in the Southland Conference. 

TAKEAWAYS FROM THE OPENER

The Delta Devils offense got going in the second half, finishing with 247 total yards. Most of those yards came through the air, as Dejerric Bryant (Mize, Miss.) threw for a career best in completions (27) and yards (205). Newcomer receiver Sedevyn Gray (Puckett, Miss.0 led in receptions (9) and yards (62). The defense bent but didn't break with 447 yards surrendered, but included several key stops along the way. Senior Tracy Thompkins (Carol City, Fla.) led the game with 12 tackles, eight of which were solo. JUCO transfer Keonte' Daniels (Noxapater, Miss.) contributed a defensive touchdown with a scoop and score in the second quarter. 

SCOUTING THE CARDINALS

Lamar enjoyed a nice turnaround in 2018 under second-year head coach Mike Schulz, going from two wins in 2017 and seven and a berth in the FCS playoffs in 2018. They kept the trend going in 2019 with a 65-16 win over Bethel on August 30th. The Cardinals exploded with 658 yards of total offense, including an 18-for-24, 226 yard, three touchdown pass effort from quarterback Jordan Hoy. The running game added six more scores, three of which also came from Hoy. Three backs also eclipsed 70 yards or more in a balanced attack that netted 344 on the ground. The defense dominated in an all-around effort as well, with five sacks, two fumbles and a pick.