Coach gets first win as TSU blanks Mississippi Valley State

HOUSTON, Texas -- In his third attempt, Michael Haywood got his first win as coach of Texas Southern. Tylor Cook accounted for two touchdown and the Tigers' defense was lights out in a 31-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday night.

TSU's win in its home opener at BBVA Compass Stadium was decisive, giving the Tigers' first-year head coach plenty to be pleased about, and keeping the Delta Devils (0-3, 0-2 SWAC) winless.

TSU (1-2, 1-1) scored on its first two possessions and remained in control throughout the game.

"What a great way to open our first home game with a win," Haywood said. "Our job is just to be better than the opponent that's on the field. Tonight, we're better than the team we faced."

TSU outgained MVSU 374-160 in yards and forced the Delta Devils to punt on all seven of their first-half possessions and on their first eight series. Dondre Dobbins and Rayvon Beard intercepted Mississippi Valley's Austin Bray and linebacker Sean Jones had a team-high 10 tackles, with 31/2 tackles for loss.

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