Mississippi Valley State falls 21-6 to Delta State after defensive start

Mississippi Valley State held Delta State scoreless in the first half but fell 21-6 in the Delta Classic powered by CB&S Bank at Rice-Totten Stadium. The Delta Devils led 3-0 at halftime and were within 7-6 midway through the third quarter before Delta State scored the final 14 points.

Luka Sari gave Mississippi Valley State the lead with a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter and later added a 31-yard kick after Josh Brown connected with Dayvian Bluitt for a 29-yard gain. Delta State took its first lead when Jordan McKnight returned a blocked punt 12 yards for a touchdown with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter.

The Statesmen extended their advantage to 14-6 on Emile Picarella’s 26-yard touchdown pass to Lawrence Armstrong with 5:10 left in the third. A second blocked punt gave Delta State a short field in the fourth quarter, and Nick Clark scored on an 11-yard run with 8:10 remaining.

Kamsi Arinze led the Valley defense with 10 tackles, including five solo stops, and a forced fumble. Mississippi Valley State recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss while limiting Delta State to 95 passing yards.

Brown completed 16 of 30 passes for 105 yards without an interception and added 22 rushing yards on seven carries. Bluitt led Mississippi Valley State with five receptions for 52 yards, while Carter James paced the rushing attack with 34 yards on five carries.

Mississippi Valley State finished with 180 yards of total offense, including 75 rushing yards, and did not commit a turnover. Delta State totaled 284 yards, with Clark rushing for 96 yards on 19 carries.

Mississippi Valley State will open Southwestern Athletic Conference play at Alabama State in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday, Sept. 26. The kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at ASU Stadium.

Source: Mississippi Valley State Athletics.