While a few teams started the 2017 college football season on Thursday, Aug. 30, the rest of the colleges and universities in our state kicked off the season on Saturday, Sept. 2. Most of the outcomes weren’t surprising for the level of competition each teams were playing.
College football kicked off around the country on Sept. 9 including many teams in our state.
Mississippi State University, Delta State University, Alcorn State University and the University of Mississippi won their opening games. On the other hand, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University and the University of Southern Mississippi all went down in defeat.
It was no surprise to see Mississippi State roll Charleston Southern University. This game wasn’t ever in doubt, as the Bulldogs exploded for 23 points in the first quarter. MSU rolled to the 49-0 victory to avoid the upset loss that opened last year’s season.
Next up for MSU is a road game at Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Delta State ran out to a 20-3 lead in the first half against Tarleton State University. The Statesmen used the big lead to cruise to a 34-16 win. It is the fifth straight season that DSU has opened the season with a win.
The Fighting Okra will host Chowan University on Saturday.
Alcorn State had little trouble with Miles College. The Braves went into the half with a 24-7 lead and cruised to a 50-21 win. ASU didn’t get to play last year’s season opener in the SWAC-MEAC Challenge because of the weather.
Alcorn State travels to Florida International on Saturday.
The University of South Alabama hoped to pull off consecutive upsets over an SEC foe as road visitors to open a season. Last year, the Jaguars stunned MSU, and USA had the Rebels on the ropes, with UM holding a slim 13-10 halftime lead. The Rebels’ offense hung 27 points on the Jaguars in the third quarter as the UM defense shut out the USA offense. The 47-27 win took some of the focus from the off-the-field distractions for the Rebels.
UM will host the University of Tennessee at Martin on Saturday.
Jackson State University traveled to Texas Christian University, and as expected, it was a long night for the Tigers. The Horned Frogs ran out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back on their way to a 63-0 win over the Tigers. The JSU offense struggled as it gained just 65 total yards.
Mississippi Valley State made the long road trip to FCS powerhouse at North Dakota State University, and it didn’t go well for the Delta Devils. The Bisons dropped 30 points on MVSU in the first quarter to get an easy 72-7 win. The Delta Devils finished with minus-31 yards rushing on the day with just three first downs and 58 total yards.
Next up for MVSU is a road trip to Southern Illinois on Saturday.
Southern Miss was looking to upset the University of Kentucky out of the SEC for the second year in a row. USM got off to a slow start in the first half, trailing 14-3 at the break. The Golden Eagles played more inspired in the second half, but couldn’t overcome three turnovers and costly late game penalties in a 24-17 loss to the Wildcats.
Next up for USM is another home game against Southern University on Saturday.
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