THE DELTA | Mississippi Valley State University football saw its two-game winning streak come to an end Saturday afternoon as the Delta Devils fell to Bethune-Cookman, 34-14, in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) action during Homecoming 2026 at Rice-Totten Stadium.
Despite outgaining the Wildcats in total offense, 325-304, Mississippi Valley State (3-5, 2-2 SWAC) was unable to overcome costly turnovers and penalties in front of 5,732 fans.
Quarterback
Josh Brown accounted for both of Valley's touchdowns, completing 15 of 34 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown while adding a 47-yard rushing score. Wide
receiver
Dayvian Bluitt delivered an impressive performance, hauling in six receptions for a game-high 133 yards and a touchdown.
The Delta Devils wasted little time making their presence felt. Following an interception by
Phillip Jackson on Bethune-Cookman's opening possession, Valley capitalized with a two-play, 65-yard scoring drive. Running back
Norman Taylor opened the possession with an 18-yard rush before Brown broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run, giving MVSU an early 7-0 advantage with 12:01 remaining in the first quarter.
Valley's defense continued to create opportunities early, as
Cole McKinney intercepted a pass in the end zone on the Wildcats' ensuing possession to preserve the seven-point lead.
Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-1 SWAC) responded in the second quarter behind quarterback Tyler Jefferson, who connected with Rickie Shaw II for a 23-yard touchdown to tie the contest at seven. Jefferson later added a two-yard rushing touchdown to send the Wildcats into halftime with a 14-7 advantage.
The Wildcats extended their lead in the second half, using a 12-yard touchdown run by Jefferson in the third quarter and another 23-yard touchdown connection between Jefferson and Shaw early in the fourth to build a 28-7 advantage.
However, the Delta Devils continued to battle.
Brown orchestrated a six-play, 66-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, capped by a 35-yard touchdown strike to Bluitt with 10:44 remaining.
Luka Sari converted the extra point to trim the deficit to 28-14.
Bethune-Cookman sealed the contest in the closing minute when Jaden Davis returned a fumble 61 yards for the game's final touchdown.
Offensively, Taylor provided a spark in the rushing attack, finishing with a team-high 87 yards on nine carries, averaging 9.7 yards per attempt.
Caleb Brownlow added four receptions for 45 yards, while Bluitt accumulated 230 all-purpose yards, including 101 yards on five kickoff returns.
Defensively,
Kamsi Arinze paced the Delta Devils with a game-high 12 tackles, including four solo stops.
Javieane Stevens continued his impressive season with nine tackles, two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Malek Jackson contributed eight tackles, while
Hollis Sams added seven.
Vashun Turner recorded six tackles, one sack and 2.5 tackles for loss, helping Valley finish with three sacks and nine tackles for loss as a team. Jackson and McKinney each recorded an interception.
Although Mississippi Valley State generated 196 passing yards and 129 rushing yards, the Delta Devils were hindered by four turnovers and 15 penalties totaling 153 yards.
The Delta Devils will now turn their attention toward regrouping and preparing for another important conference matchup as the SWAC race continues.
UP NEXT
Mississippi Valley State will enjoy a much-needed bye week before returning to action on Saturday, October 31, when the Delta Devils welcome in-state rival Alcorn State to Rice-Totten Stadium for a Halloween showdown.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. as the historic rivalry returns to The Valley for "The Return of the Game of the Century."
The Delta Devils will look to get back into the win column in front of their home crowd as they enter the final stretch of the 2026 season.
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