An uneven offensive start did not define Bethune-Cookman’s trip to Mississippi Valley State. Jaden Davis and a disruptive defense made sure of that.
Davis intercepted two passes, led BCU with nine tackles and returned a fumble 61 yards for a touchdown as the Wildcats earned a 35–14 victory on October 17 in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Bethune-Cookman improved to 4–3 overall and 2–1 in the SWAC.
The Wildcats threw interceptions on their first two possessions, and the Delta Devils turned the first takeaway into an early 7–0 lead. Tre Rigby’s 58-yard kickoff return offered a spark, but BCU needed a more sustained response.
Tyler Jefferson supplied it. After entering at quarterback, he connected with Rickie Shaw II for a 23-yard touchdown and later scored on a two-yard run. Davis helped keep the turnaround moving with two interceptions before halftime, allowing BCU to take a 14–7 advantage into the break.
Jefferson finished with two passing touchdowns and two rushing scores. Both touchdown passes went to Shaw, who caught five passes for 80 yards. The combination gave the Wildcats separation even though Mississippi Valley State finished with a 325–304 advantage in total offense.
BCU’s defense recorded six sacks, including two from Joseph Evans. Keyontae Byas contributed three tackles for loss and three pass breakups, while Isaiah Washburn added two tackles for loss and a sack.
Davis provided the final scoring play with 50 seconds remaining. For a team coming off a difficult loss at Alabama A&M, the road victory offered a forceful response built on defensive pressure and a more productive finish on offense.
Source: Bethune-Cookman Athletics.
