Monday, September 17, 2007

Jackson State at Mississippi Valley State

Last week: Beat Texas Southern 28-14
Saturday: At MVSU (Rice-Totten Stadium, Itta Bena), 4 p.m.
TV: None
Radio: JSU Network (WOAD 1300-AM, Jackson)

ON OFFENSE

MVSU's offense has sputtered, scoring just 12 points per game. The Delta Devils are averaging less than 200 yards of total offense per game and just 3.3 yards per play. Sophomore QB Paul Roberts has been decent, throwing for 367 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. RB Ronald Brewer had a good game against Alabama A&M, rushing for 146 yards on 21 carries. RB Johey Hargrett hasn't put up the same kind of numbers he did last season, when he rushed for 698 yards, but he's still a decent option in the backfield.

ON DEFENSE

The Delta Devils' defense had shown considerable promise until the Alabama A&M game, when they gave up 45 points and 499 yards of total offense. But in MVSU's defense, the 3-0 Bulldogs have done that kind of damage in all of their games. Defensive linemen Ronald Green and John Price, along with DB Sam Irons all have at least 20 tackles and have had to stay on the field a long time since Valley's offense has rarely moved the ball. The Delta Devils are last in the SWAC in total defense, giving up 407.3 yards per game.

INTANGIBLES

The hard part for Mississippi Valley remains the mental aspect of this rivalry. The Delta Devils have lost 12 in a row to JSU despite occasionally possessing superior talent. JSU enters this game with some momentum after a solid 28-7 victory over Texas Southern.

- David Brandt

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