Struggling Mississippi Valley State to face tough schedule

(STATS) - Mississippi Valley State will face a difficult 2018 schedule as it tries to turn around its program under first-year coach Vincent Dancy.

The Delta Devils - a mere 8-47 in the last five seasons - will play only four of 11 games at home, and their nonconference schedule includes season-opening visits to North Dakota (Aug. 30) and FCS power Jacksonville State (Sept. 8). Their home and SWAC opener on Sept. 22 will be against Alcorn State, which has won four straight East Division titles.

Dancy served as MVSU's defensive coordinator the last three seasons and replaced head coach Rick Comegy after a 2-9 campaign.

2018 Mississippi Valley State Schedule

Aug. 30, at North Dakota

Sept. 8, at Jacksonville State

Sept. 22, Alcorn State*

Oct. 6, at Bethune-Cookman

Oct. 13, at Jackson State*

Oct. 20, Arkansas-Pine Bluff*

Oct. 27, at Texas Southern*

Nov. 3, at Grambling State*

Nov. 10, Hampton

Nov. 17, Alabama A&M*

Nov. 22, at Alabama State*

* - SWAC game