Copyright Jackson Clarion-Ledger
After a statement win over Florida A&M, No. 19 Jackson State football will play in-state rival Mississippi Valley State in Week 11. The Tigers' (6-2, 4-1 SWAC) game against the Delta Devils (1-7, 0-4) will be their third straight on the road. This season Jackson State is 3-2 away from home. The Tigers and Delta Devils will play each other at Rice-Totten Stadium on Nov. 8 (2 p.m. CT, SWAC TV). Here's the Clarion Ledger's prediction for how the game will go. Buy Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State tickets Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State prediction Under first-year coach Terrell Buckley, Mississippi Valley State has struggled. The Delta Devils rank in the bottom third of the SWAC in offensive and defensive scoring, total offense, rushing offense, passing defense, sacks allowed and first downs converted and allowed. However, what Mississippi Valley State has done successfully is stop the run. The Delta Devils are fourth in the conference in rushing defense, holding teams to an average of 152.3 yards. Although Jackson State has the best rushing attack in the SWAC and second-best in the FCS, the Tigers likely won't see a repeat of their 392-yard performance against Florida A&M. If freshman Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart plays again for injured starter JaCobian Morgan, he could throw more than the 10 times he did vs FAMU. That could mean bigger games for Jackson State's receivers, including Nate Rembert, Ja'Naylon Dupree and Shemar Savage. Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State scouting report Why Jackson State has an advantage: Jackson State's defensive line has played well all season. The Tigers lead the SWAC in rushing yards allowed per game (116.8) and are third in the conference with 16 sacks. Defensive lineman Quincy Ivory, the team's leader in tackles with 57, sits within the top 10 in total tackles in the SWAC. He's also tied for second with 10.5 tackles for loss and third with 5.5 sacks. Alongside Ivory, Jeremiah Williams and Tymon Wells both have multiple sacks this season, and John Brown Jr. has four tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries. JSU's defensive front will be a challenge for the Delta Devils' offensive line to contain. Why Mississippi Valley State has an advantage: Although Mississippi Valley State has struggled offensively, kicker Marko Jovisic has been almost automatic. He's 12-for-13 on field goal attempts and his longest make was from 56 yards. The Delta Devils will likely struggle to move the ball, but with Jovisic kicking, they won't have to pick up too many yards to still be able to put some points up. Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State injury updates Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor did not provide an update on Morgan at his press conference on Nov. 3. Morgan was seen still wearing a boot, however not using crutches, later that day at a women's basketball game. Jared Lockhart is listed as the team's starter on the depth chart for the game. Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State score prediction Jackson State 44, Mississippi Valley State 14: The Delta Devils have managed to find scoring opportunities in every game, but overall, Jackson State should outplay them in every phase of the game. Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@gannett.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
