Mississippi Valley State defeats Lincoln 31-20 in Chicago Football Classic

Mississippi Valley State defeated Lincoln (PA) 31-20 at Soldier Field in the Chicago Football Classic, earning its first victory of the 2026 season and improving to 1-2. The Delta Devils’ defense held Lincoln scoreless in the fourth quarter to preserve the win.

Josh Brown was named the game’s Offensive MVP after completing 14 of 21 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 46 yards on nine carries. Dayvian Bluitt had four receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown, adding 81 kickoff-return yards and 35 punt-return yards for 259 all-purpose yards.

Mississippi Valley State produced 407 yards of offense, including 260 passing and 147 rushing. Norman Taylor opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run, and Luka Sari’s extra point made it 7-0. After Lincoln tied the game, Brown threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Nicholas Buggs, and Sari added a 30-yard field goal as the second quarter ended to give MVSU a 17-7 halftime lead.

Lincoln cut the margin to 17-14 in the third quarter, but Brown answered with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen King. After the Lions pulled within 24-20, Brown connected with Bluitt for a 79-yard touchdown, making it 31-20 with 24 seconds left in the period.

Deondri Clark Jr. ended Lincoln’s final possession with a fourth-down sack, allowing the Delta Devils to run out the clock. Douglas Franklin led Mississippi Valley State with seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while also forcing a fumble. King finished with six receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, and Buggs had three receptions for 55 yards and a score.

Mississippi Valley State will host Delta State on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena. The 2026 home opener is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Source: Mississippi Valley State Athletics.