Bethune-Cookman will look to rebound from a 55-17 loss to Alabama A&M when it visits Mississippi Valley State on Saturday at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The Southwestern Athletic Conference game is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST and will stream on SWAC TV.
Bethune-Cookman enters the matchup at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in SWAC play. Mississippi Valley State is 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play, placing the Delta Devils in a three-way tie with Jackson State and Alabama State for first place in the SWAC East Division.
Bethune-Cookman seeks a response
Bethune-Cookman forced three turnovers in its loss to Alabama A&M, including an interception by Keontae Byas. The Bulldogs, however, scored on six consecutive drives after halftime and pulled away from the Wildcats.
The Wildcats have converted 21 of 24 red-zone trips into points this season, including 16 touchdowns. Opponents have scored on 17 of 20 red-zone trips against Bethune-Cookman, with 12 of those possessions ending in touchdowns.
Bethune-Cookman also leads the SWAC with eight interceptions. Byas leads the conference in passes defended and ranks sixth nationally with six.
Mississippi Valley State brings momentum
Mississippi Valley State has won its past two SWAC games after opening the season 1-4. The Delta Devils overcame deficits of 24 points against Prairie View A&M and 17 points against Texas Southern to move into the SWAC East race.
Mississippi Valley State averages 18.3 points per game overall and 27.0 points per game in conference play. Graduate quarterback Josh Brown leads the Delta Devils in rushing with 78 carries for 443 yards and six touchdowns.
Brown produced 266 passing yards, 147 rushing yards and five total touchdowns in Mississippi Valley State’s previous game against Texas Southern. His two-way production will test a Bethune-Cookman defense that has not allowed a 200-yard passer during the 2026 season.
The Delta Devils have allowed 34.1 points and 350.3 yards per game. Mississippi Valley State leads the SWAC with 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles, while Javieane Stevens leads the conference with 7.0 sacks after recording 1.5 sacks in each of his previous two games.
Bethune-Cookman’s ground game
Bethune-Cookman averages a conference-best 240.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth nationally at the FCS level. Rashon Brown has scored nine rushing touchdowns, ranking second in the SWAC and sixth in the FCS.
The Wildcats’ rushing attack will face a Mississippi Valley State defense that has created pressure and forced turnovers throughout the season. Bethune-Cookman will also need its secondary to limit Brown’s ability to create plays as a passer and runner.
Bethune-Cookman is 8-2 all time against Mississippi Valley State and has won four consecutive games in the series. The matchup gives the Wildcats an opportunity to respond on the road against a Delta Devils team that has moved into contention in the SWAC East.
Game information
Opponent: Mississippi Valley State (3-4, 2-1 SWAC)
Time: Saturday at 3 p.m. EST
Location: Rice-Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, Mississippi
Watch: SWAC TV
Listen: WELE 1380, CatEye Network and BCUAthletics.com/Radio
Live stats: MVSU live stats
Tickets: Mississippi Valley State tickets
FSB Take
Bethune-Cookman has the conference’s strongest rushing profile and a secondary that has produced eight interceptions, but Mississippi Valley State enters with momentum and a quarterback who can contribute in both phases. The Wildcats’ ability to sustain their ground game while containing Josh Brown will be central to the matchup.
After Alabama A&M scored on six straight drives following halftime, Bethune-Cookman needs a more consistent defensive performance in Itta Bena. The Wildcats also must turn their red-zone efficiency and turnover production into control against a Delta Devils team tied for the SWAC East lead.
Source: Original report