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

How will Mississippi Valley State fare this fall?

The schedule is not favorable for Mississippi Valley State. There is not one game on this schedule that is an easy win. The Delta Devils miss both Texas Southern and Grambling this fall, two games they could win.

MVSU likely will not be favored in any game this season. For this reason, the Delta Devils must have improved offensive line play. Without that, it is going to be another long season in Itta Bena.

• Game 1: at Murray State (L) — The Racers finished 5-2 last spring and look solid again this fall. If the Devils can find some offense, they might have a shot to keep it close for a half. Murray State is the better team in this one.
• Game 2: at Stephen F. Austin (L) — Similar story to the Murray State game here. The Lumberjacks are better.
• Game 3: Southern (L) — MVSU did not play Southern this spring. However, even with the coaching change, Southern should not miss a beat with Dawson Odoms disciple Jason Rollins taking over. MVSU does not have an answer for Jordan Lewis either. Jaguars romp in this one.
• Game 4: North Carolina Central (W) — This could be the only “winnable” game the Delta Devils have on their schedule. The Eagles did not play in the fall or spring. When they last played, they finished 4-8 and scored just 17 points per game. If the Devils can score some points, they have a chance to win.
• Game 5: at Bethune-Cookman (L) — This is a toss-up. The Wildcats lose a bunch from a team that has not played since 2019. However, the travel and B-CU’s speed give them the edge in this one.
• Game 6: Alcorn State (L) — This is the first of six consecutive games the Devils play teams that are at or near the top of the SWAC. These games will let coach Dancy know how close –or how far — his program is from being competitive in the SWAC. The Braves dominate in this one.
• Game 7: Florida A&M (L) — The Rattlers were one of the top teams in the MEAC and will be one of the top teams in the SWAC. The Delta Devils keep it close for a half, but FAMU pulls away after halftime.
• Game 8: Jackson State (L) — No revenge for the Delta Devils. However, MVSU competes hard and makes this a game. Interstate rivalries are great motivators, and that helps Mississippi Valley State. However, Jackson State is too good.
• Game 9: at Alabama A&M (L) — COVID-19 protocols postponed MVSU’s game against AAMU. The Devils get to see the best quarterback in FCS up close and personal. Bulldogs win big in this game.
• Game 10: Alabama State (L) — This spring, the Delta Devils had a great game plan to stop Ezra Gray but had no answer for Ryan Nettles. Expect the same this season. Ezra Gray goes off in this game, however.
• Game 11: at Prairie View A&M (L): The Panthers’ resurgence was cut short because of COVID-19. Prairie View demonstrates they are an up-and-coming program in the SWAC by sending MVSU back to Itta Bena with a loss to end their season.

Prediction 1-10, 0-8 SWAC

For the sake of sounding cliche, this season is not about wins and losses on the field. Coach Dancy and his staff are still rounding out their two-deep roster. This season is about how well the Devils compete and stay in games.

The offense is a huge question mark. However, if quarterback Jelani Eason and the offense score close to 20 points per game, there are some possible upsets this fall with their talented defense.