When people talk about the deep south and college football, they usually start and end with the SEC. It's all "Roll Tide" or "Geaux Tigers" in every grocery store aisle from Mobile to Monroe. But honestly? If you’re looking for the real soul of the game, you have to look at the programs like Mississippi Valley State and Southeastern Louisiana.
The ms valley vs se la matchup isn't a weekly occurrence. It’s not a historic rivalry like the Bayou Classic. But when these two programs cross paths, it represents a specific collision of styles and cultures that you just don't get in the big-budget world of NIL and 100,000-seat stadiums.
What happened the last time they met?
Let's get real for a second: the most recent outing was a blowout. On September 13, 2025, the Southeastern Louisiana Lions basically dismantled the Delta Devils in Hammond. The final score was a lopsided 56-3. If you were a Valley fan sitting in Strawberry Stadium that night, it was a long three hours.
Southeastern’s offense was clicking on every single cylinder. They put up 445 total yards and averaged a ridiculous 8.6 yards per play. Jaylon Domingeaux was basically a human highlight reel, snagging four receptions for 82 yards and three touchdowns. For Valley, it was a night of "what ifs." Their only points came from a monster 56-yard field goal by Marko Jovisic in the first quarter.
That kick was actually a bright spot. It’s not every day you see a 56-yarder in the FCS.
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The History of ms valley vs se la
Historically, Southeastern Louisiana has had the upper hand in this series, which stands at 3-0 in favor of the Lions. They first met back in October 2004, where SLU took a 33-17 victory. They followed it up in 2005 with a 38-21 win in Itta Bena.
- 2004: Southeastern won 33-17 in Hammond.
- 2005: Southeastern won 38-21 in Itta Bena.
- 2025: Southeastern won 56-3 in Hammond.
Despite the gap in the scoreboard, the ms valley vs se la games are fascinating because of the conference dynamics. You have Mississippi Valley State, a cornerstone of the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference), representing the storied tradition of HBCU football. Then you have Southeastern Louisiana, a powerhouse in the Southland Conference. These games are a rare bridge between two of the most competitive mid-major conferences in the country.
Why does Valley struggle in these non-conference games?
It’s no secret that the Delta Devils have had a rough go of it lately. In 2025, they finished 2-10. Playing a team like Southeastern—who finished second in the Southland with a 9-4 record—is a massive hill to climb.
Valley’s identity is built on grit. They play in the "Devils Den" (Rice-Totten Stadium), a place that has seen legends like Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones. But the current landscape of the FCS makes it hard for programs with fewer resources to keep up with the explosive, fast-paced offenses that SLU runs.
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When you look at the stats from the 2025 game, it’s all about efficiency. Southeastern didn't turn the ball over once. Valley, while they had some decent individual performances—like Norman Taylor’s 9.0 yards per carry—just couldn't sustain drives. They were 2-of-13 on third downs earlier in the season against Southern, and those same struggles followed them to Hammond.
Is there a basketball connection?
Actually, yes. While the football series is short, the ms valley vs se la hardwood history is a lot more balanced. In men's basketball, the series is tied 3-3. They haven't played since 2018, when Valley took a 69-59 win in Itta Bena, but the history goes all the way back to 1984.
It’s funny how different the vibes are between the two sports. In football, the Lions have been the clear aggressor. In basketball, it’s a total toss-up every time they step on the court.
The Nuance of the Matchup
Kinda interesting to note: these games often serve as the "Money Games" or "Guarantee Games" that help fund smaller athletic departments, but for the players, it’s personal. A lot of these guys grew up playing against each other in high schools across Louisiana and Mississippi. There’s a level of familiarity that doesn't show up in the box score.
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When SLU hosted Valley in 2025, it was also their Hall of Fame game. The atmosphere was electric, with 4,286 fans in attendance—a solid crowd for FCS non-conference play.
What to watch for moving forward
If you’re a fan of either team, keep an eye on the transfer portal. Valley has been looking to beef up their defensive line to prevent the kind of 400+ yard games they gave up to the Lions. Southeastern, on the other hand, is trying to maintain their status as a top-25 FCS team.
Practical takeaways for the next ms valley vs se la meeting:
- Watch the Trenches: Valley has to find a way to stop the run early. In the 2025 game, SLU’s Jaedon Henry had 81 total yards and two scores; he was never touched in the backfield.
- Special Teams Matter: Marko Jovisic is a weapon for Valley. In a game where offense is hard to come by, having a kicker who can hit from 50+ is a massive equalizer.
- Pace of Play: SLU likes to go fast. If Valley can slow the game down and win the time of possession—something they actually did in 2025 (30:50 to 29:10)—they might keep it closer next time.
The reality is that ms valley vs se la isn't going to lead the 6:00 PM SportsCenter. But for the fans in the Delta and the Northshore, it’s a game that defines the regional hierarchy. It's a test of whether the "satellite" programs can disrupt the established order.
Next time these two meet, don't just look at the spread. Look at the individual battles. Look at the kickers. Look at the kids from small-town Mississippi trying to prove they belong on the same field as the Southland’s best. That's where the real story is.
To stay updated on future matchups, check the official athletic sites at lionsports.net and mvsusports.com, as non-conference schedules for 2026 and 2027 are usually finalized in the late spring. Keeping an eye on the Southland and SWAC weekly releases will give you the best head-to-head data before the next kickoff.