ORLANDO — Mississippi Valley State got the opportunity to experience a first-class event when it participated in the 9th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.
But unfortunately, the Delta Devils’ experience didn’t include a victory Sunday afternoon as Valley dropped a 27-10 decision to Florida A&M at the Florida Citrus Bowl in front of announced crowd of 24,376 and a national television audience on ESPN.
“This was a first-class event,” said MVSU head coach Karl Morgan. “Our kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we appreciate what Disney and ESPN did for us.”
The Rattlers got off to a 20-0 start and held that lead at halftime using two touchdown runs and a pair of field goals.
Valley fought its way back, however, in the third and fourth quarter using a 21-yard field goal and a 2-yard QB keeper by Jeremy Collins to cut the lead to 20-10 with 10:21 left in the game.
But the Delta Devils went 3-and-out on its next drive and FAMU took advantage capping off a 12-play, 75-yard drive with a 14-yard TD run by Al-Tere McBurse, leaving just over a minute on the clock.
Four consecutive incomplete passes on Valley’s next drive ended its hopes of comeback.
Patrick Ivy, who started at quarterback at Valley, led the the Delta Devils in rushing with 74 yards, with a bulk of his yards coming on a 64-yard scamper in the first half. Jeremy Collins, who played most of the second half under center, finished 5-of-15 for 63 yards and an interception.
Richard Drake paced the Delta Devils with three catches for 32 yards.
Junior cornerback Jeremy Johnson, who was named the team’s MVP, finished with 13 tackles.
MVSU will face in-state rival Delta State Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rice-Totten Stadium.
Courtesy: MVSU Sports Information
