Jaden Davis delivered three interceptions, nine tackles and a 61-yard fumble-recovery touchdown as Bethune-Cookman football defeated Mississippi Valley State 34-14 on Oct. 17, 2026, at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
Davis also recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, tying him for third in Bethune-Cookman program history for interceptions in a single game. The victory moved Bethune-Cookman to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, while Mississippi Valley State fell to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
The result marked Bethune-Cookman’s fourth win of the season and came after Mississippi Valley State took an early lead. Josh Brown scored on a 47-yard run after Phillip Jackson intercepted Amari Jones at the Mississippi Valley State 35-yard line.
Davis sparks Bethune-Cookman turnaround
Bethune-Cookman created another early scoring opportunity after Tre Rigby returned a kickoff 58 yards. McKinney Cole ended that drive with an interception in the end zone, but the Bethune-Cookman defense responded by forcing a punt after allowing only one first down.
Tyler Jefferson entered at quarterback in the second quarter and led Bethune-Cookman to its first touchdown, connecting with Rickie Shaw II on a 23-yard scoring pass. Davis then intercepted Brown to give the Wildcats another possession, and Jefferson put Bethune-Cookman ahead with a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
Davis added an 11-yard sack and his second interception before halftime. Bethune-Cookman took a 14-7 lead into the break, then extended it when Jefferson scored his second rushing touchdown late in the third quarter.
Bethune-Cookman defense controls the finish
Bethune-Cookman’s defense finished with a season-high six sacks, including two by Joseph Evans. Isaiah Washburn added a sack and two tackles for loss, while Keyontae Byas recorded three tackles for loss and three pass breakups.
Mississippi Valley State scored with 10:44 remaining when Brown connected with Dayvian Bluitt on a 35-yard touchdown pass. The Delta Devils could not mount another comeback, and Davis sealed the victory with his 61-yard fumble-recovery touchdown with 50 seconds left.
Mississippi Valley State finished with 325 total yards to Bethune-Cookman’s 304 and committed 15 penalties for 153 yards. The Delta Devils also held Bethune-Cookman’s rushing attack to 3.2 yards per carry, but the turnovers and defensive pressure kept the Wildcats in control.
Jefferson, Shaw lead offensive production
Jefferson accounted for two rushing touchdowns and two touchdown passes in the victory. Both touchdown passes went to Shaw, who finished with five catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
Cameron Oxendine added three catches for 32 yards. The Wildcats also received a major field-position contribution from Rigby, whose 58-yard kickoff return helped set up an early scoring opportunity.
Bethune-Cookman will return to Daytona Stadium next Saturday to face Jackson State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.
FSB Take
Bethune-Cookman’s defense supplied the difference after the Wildcats fell behind early. Davis created the decisive momentum with three interceptions and a late fumble-recovery touchdown, while the six-sack performance helped prevent Mississippi Valley State from sustaining its offense.
The Wildcats now take a 4-3 overall record and a 2-1 conference mark into their home matchup with Jackson State. Jefferson’s four total touchdowns and Shaw’s two scoring receptions also give Bethune-Cookman an offensive foundation to carry into the next game.
Source: Original report