Texas Southern Tigers Get Redemption Over Mississippi Valley State

During a SWAC showdown Saturday afternoon, the Texas Southern Tigers reunited with the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on the same field where they last faced off six years ago, delivering an electrifying game and bringing home their first victory of the season.

Facing the Delta Devils for the first time since 2019, the Tigers rewrote history with a comeback performance, securing a 23–20 win.

The last time these two teams met in Itta Bena, Texas Southern fell 14–35. This time, the Tigers came in with a mission, and they delivered.

From the start, Mississippi Valley State built early momentum, taking a 10–0 lead in the first quarter. But Texas Southern’s offense responded with a one-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to cut the lead to 10–7. Valley extended its lead again before halftime, going into the break up 17–7.

After a slow third quarter that included a missed field goal and a 20–7 deficit, Texas Southern mounted a crucial 18-play, 75-yard drive capped by a two-yard touchdown run from Athean Renfro.

With under two minutes remaining, Texas Southern regained possession after a failed fake punt by the Delta Devils. On the very next play, quarterback KJ Cooper connected with Chaunzavia Lewis for a 48-yard strike to the Mississippi Valley State 5-yard line. Several plays later, with just over a minute left, Renfro scored again to give Texas Southern its first lead of the game, 23–20.

With their first win of the season in the books, Texas Southern returns home to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, October 4, at 6 p.m. inside Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

Fans can watch the game live on SWAC TV. Get your tickets and come support the Tigers as they look to build on this momentum.

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