SWAC Football: What to expect from Mississippi Valley State in 2021

Can Jerry Garner and the defense lead Delta Devils to more wins?

The defense played hard this spring for Dancy and had a couple of good games. There were two lopsided games (against Alabama State and Jackson State), but that was due to the offense not staying on the field.

The Delta Devils were down four points going into halftime against Alabama State. Defensive coordinator Derek Welch and coach Dancy had a game plan to stop Ezra Gray that was successful. Unfortunately, the Delta Devils could not contain quarterback Ryan Nettles, and the game got away from MVSU in the fourth quarter.

Jackson State was a series of three-and-outs for the Devils. The defense got good pressure on Jalon Jones, but no one tackled him when he broke contain. Their best game, against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, looked as if it was going to get away from them.

However, the defense adjusted at halftime, limiting the Lions’ offense to just seven points in the second half, but the offense could not find the extra touchdown to send the game to overtime.

A veteran group returns this fall from a group that had its moments last spring. The Delta Devils return their top three tacklers Keonte’ Daniels, William Morgan, and Deione Reed. Also, Jerry Garner, their best defender, is back.

The strength of the team is the defense. However, if MVSU wins more than two games, the offense has to help their counterparts by staying on the field longer.