The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils are set for a challenging 2025 football campaign, with a schedule featuring diverse opponents across FCS and SWAC levels. The team aims to improve significantly from their previous record of 1-11 in the 2024 season under Head Coach Terrell Buckley. Notably, this upcoming year will mark their first appearance in the Celebration Bowl if they secure a conference title, something yet to be achieved. Among the highlights is an intriguing non-conference clash against Southern, despite both being SWAC rivals.
The Delta Devils' calendar includes three FCS matchups, one game against a non-Division I team, and eight crucial SWAC contests. These games promise to test the team’s resilience and strategic adaptability as they navigate through various geographical locations and competitive scenarios. With key dates such as September's opening stretch and November's intense closing matches, fans can expect an action-packed season filled with excitement and anticipation.
A Look at Key Non-Conference Matchups
Before diving into their conference battles, Mississippi Valley State faces several formidable foes outside the SWAC. Their season opener against Southern on August 30th sets the tone early. Following that, road trips to Tarleton State and Southeastern Louisiana provide opportunities for the Delta Devils to showcase their away-game prowess. Each of these encounters offers unique challenges, testing different aspects of the team’s performance.
This series of preliminary games serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows Coach Buckley and his staff to evaluate player capabilities in high-pressure situations against varied styles of play. Secondly, victories in these matches could boost morale and confidence heading into the more critical SWAC showdowns later in the season. For instance, facing Tarleton State will demand strong defensive strategies due to their typically aggressive offense, while Southeastern Louisiana may require precise execution offensively to overcome potential obstacles. By navigating these initial hurdles successfully, Mississippi Valley State positions itself favorably for the remainder of the season.
Conference Challenges Await
As the season progresses, the Delta Devils encounter eight pivotal SWAC matchups starting from late September through mid-November. These include home games against Texas Southern and Florida A&M, alongside road trips to Alabama A&M and Alcorn State among others. Each contest carries significant implications for playoff positioning and overall standing within the conference standings.
Among these engagements, the November 8th clash with Jackson State stands out as particularly important given both teams' historical rivalry and recent performances. Additionally, hosting Alabama State in Mobile adds another layer of complexity, requiring adaptation not only tactically but also environmentally. Success in these encounters necessitates meticulous preparation coupled with consistent execution across all facets of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. Furthermore, concluding the regular season at Prairie View A&M ensures no letdown until the very last whistle blows. Overall, overcoming these conference trials will determine whether Mississippi Valley State achieves its ultimate goal of participating in the prestigious Celebration Bowl.