Mississippi Valley State Tops Lincoln at Chicago Football Classic

CHICAGO — Mississippi Valley State defeated Lincoln (Pa.) 31-20 Saturday at Soldier Field in the Chicago Football Classic. The Delta Devils earned their first victory of the 2026 season, improving to 1-2 before their home opener next weekend.

Quarterback Josh Brown was named the game’s offensive MVP after completing 14 of 21 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 46 yards on nine carries. Wide receiver Dayvian Bluitt caught four passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 259 all-purpose yards after contributions on kickoff and punt returns.

The Delta Devils amassed 407 yards of offense, with 260 passing and 147 rushing. They controlled the ball for more than 31 minutes and converted 10 of 14 third downs. Mississippi Valley State struck first on an eight-play, 27-yard drive capped by a 3-yard touchdown run by Norman Taylor. Luka Sari’s extra point gave the team a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Lincoln responded with a touchdown late in the first quarter, but Brown connected with Nicholas Buggs for a 30-yard score before halftime. Sari added a 30-yard field goal as time expired, giving Mississippi Valley State a 17-7 halftime lead.

The Delta Devils answered Lincoln’s third-quarter scoring drives with two touchdowns. Brown threw a 9-yard pass to Jaylen King, restoring a 10-point lead. Days later, Brown found Bluitt for a 79-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 31-20 with 24 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The defense shut down Lincoln in the final quarter, allowing no points and sealing the victory. Deondri Clark Jr. recorded a sack on Lincoln’s last possession to secure the win.

Defensively, Douglas Franklin led MVSU with seven tackles, including 2.5 for loss and a sack, along with a forced fumble. Kamsi Arinze and Joey Davis each contributed six tackles. The team totaled nine tackles for loss and three sacks, limiting Lincoln to four third-down conversions on 15 attempts. Martez Williams recovered a fumble, and Jaquez Estera blocked a kick.

King led the team with six receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. Buggs caught three passes for 55 yards and a score. Taylor added 29 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Caleb Brownlow contributed a 43-yard run. Mississippi Valley State will host Delta State on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Rice-Totten Stadium for its home opener.

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