If you walked into Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena this past November, you felt it. That specific, heavy Mississippi humidity mixed with the smell of charcoal and the distant, rhythmic thumping of the Sonic Boom of the South. Mississippi Valley vs Jackson State isn't just a game on a calendar. It’s a family reunion where one cousin consistently takes the other’s lunch money, yet everyone still shows up for the potato salad.
Honestly, the scoreboard usually tells a pretty grim story for the Delta Devils. On November 8, 2025, the Tigers from Jackson State didn't just win; they dismantled Valley 42-3. It was Senior Day for MVSU, a day meant for celebration, but #19 Jackson State played the role of the ultimate party pooper.
Why the Scoreboard Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
You've got to look at the history to understand why this matchup still matters. Jackson State leads the all-time series by a staggering margin—something like 65-5-2. That’s not a typo. The Delta Devils haven't tasted a victory against the Tigers since 1994. Think about that. Bill Clinton was in his first term. "Forrest Gump" was the biggest movie in the world. Most of the players on the field today weren't even a thought in their parents' minds the last time Valley won this game.
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But here’s the thing: in the SWAC, records are kinda secondary to the culture. This rivalry represents the heart of HBCU football in the Delta. You have the blue-blood powerhouse in JSU, a school that recently won the 2024 HBCU National Championship and has been a dominant force under multiple coaching regimes. Then you have MVSU, the scrappy underdog from "The Valley" that produced Jerry Rice—the greatest wide receiver to ever lace up a pair of cleats.
The 2025 Beatdown: A Closer Look
In the most recent 2025 clash, JSU showed exactly why they are a top-20 team. Jared Lockhart was surgical, throwing for 241 yards and two touchdowns. He basically spent the afternoon finding Nate Rembert, who used to play for Valley before transferring to JSU. Talk about adding salt to the wound. Rembert caught two touchdowns against his former team, proving that the transfer portal has made these local rivalries even more personal.
Valley’s offense? It struggled. Hard. They finished with only 179 total yards. Their only points came from a 42-yard field goal by Marko Jovisic right as the first half ended. It was a small spark in a very dark afternoon.
- Total Yards: JSU 458, MVSU 179
- Rushing Yards: JSU 217, MVSU 53
- Time of Possession: JSU 31:30, MVSU 28:30
The "Jerry Rice" Factor and the Ghost of 1984
Whenever people talk about Mississippi Valley vs Jackson State, they eventually bring up the mid-80s. That was the era of the "Satellite Express." Coach Archie Cooley had the Delta Devils running a no-huddle, five-wide offense that was decades ahead of its time. In 1984, MVSU actually beat JSU 49-32.
That era is the benchmark. It’s the proof that Valley can be the king of the mountain. JSU fans, of course, will remind you that they have 16 SWAC titles and a history of sending legends like Walter Payton to the NFL. The contrast is what makes the game fun. It’s the "Big City" of Jackson versus the "Rural Soul" of Itta Bena.
More Than Just Four Quarters
If you’re just looking at the final score of 51-14 in 2024 or 42-3 in 2025, you’re missing the point. The "game" starts on Friday night. Tailgating at Jackson State or MVSU is an Olympic sport. We’re talking about massive smokers, DJs, and three generations of alumni arguing about who had the better marching band in 1978.
The bands are a massive part of this. The Sonic Boom of the South (JSU) and the Mean Green Marching Machine (MVSU) put on a show that, for some fans, is more important than the football. It’s a battle of pride, precision, and soul.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
A lot of casual fans think the lopsided record means the game is boring. Wrong. It’s actually one of the most intense atmospheres in the conference. Because Valley has so much to gain and JSU has everything to lose, the "trap game" energy is always there.
Take the 2019 game, for example. JSU escaped with a 31-28 overtime win. Valley had them on the ropes. The Tigers were sweating. Those are the moments that keep the Delta Devils' fans coming back. They know that eventually, the streak has to break.
Key Players Who Shaped the Matchup (2024-2025)
- Ahmad Miller (JSU): A human highlight reel. In 2024, he tore through the Valley defense for 165 yards. He’s the kind of back that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.
- Jared Lockhart (JSU): The steady hand. His performance in the 2025 game showed the gap in recruiting depth between the two programs.
- Marko Dubak (MVSU): You don't usually highlight a punter, but this guy was a weapon in 2025. He had 404 punting yards, pinning JSU deep five times. When your offense is struggling, a leg like that is a godsend.
- Nate Rembert (JSU): The transfer. His move from Itta Bena to Jackson is the modern face of this rivalry.
Why Jackson State Keeps Dominating
It basically comes down to resources. Jackson State has utilized its massive alumni base and recent national spotlight to upgrade facilities and lure four-star recruits. Since 2021, they’ve won 57 of their last 68 games. That is a ridiculous clip for any level of football.
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Mississippi Valley, meanwhile, operates on one of the smallest budgets in the FCS. They rely on "grit," as their fans like to say. They look for the diamonds in the rough—the kids everyone else overlooked. Sometimes it works, like with Jerry Rice. Lately, it’s been a tougher climb.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking to engage with the next Mississippi Valley vs Jackson State matchup, here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Watch the Spread, Not Just the Winner: Since the moneyline is almost always heavily skewed toward JSU, look at the point spread. Valley often covers at home because the environment at Rice-Totten Stadium is legitimately tough for visiting teams to handle.
- The "Transfer" Narrative: Keep an eye on the rosters. With the transfer portal, you’ll see more players moving between these two schools. These players often have the biggest impact because they’re playing with a massive chip on their shoulder.
- The First Quarter is Key: JSU tends to start fast to quiet the crowd. If Valley can hold them to a scoreless first quarter, the "upset alert" energy starts to build, and the game stays much tighter than the talent gap suggests.
- Travel for the Experience: If you’ve never been to a game in Itta Bena, go. It’s one of the last authentic, small-town college football experiences left. The hospitality is unmatched, even if the scoreboard is one-sided.
The reality of Mississippi Valley vs Jackson State is that it’s a story of two programs heading in different directions on paper, but remaining tethered by history. JSU is chasing national titles and FBS-level prestige. MVSU is fighting to reclaim its identity as the "Cradle of Legends."
Whether the streak hits 31 games or Valley finally pulls off the miracle in 2026, the stands will be full. The grills will be hot. And the music will be loud. That’s just how it’s done in Mississippi.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, keep a close watch on the SWAC's weekly injury reports and the mid-season transfer portal entries. These late-season games are often decided by depth, and JSU's ability to rotate fresh bodies in the fourth quarter remains their biggest advantage over the Delta Devils.