Lamar tops Mississippi Valley State with Griffin’s 197 yards rushing

On Saturday night in Beaumont, Texas, Khalan Griffin showcased an impressive performance, rushing for 197 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading Lamar to a 28-14 victory over Mississippi Valley State. Robert Coleman contributed significantly by throwing two touchdown passes, including a pivotal 63-yard completion to JaCorey Hyder just before halftime, which allowed Lamar to take a 21-7 lead into the break. The Delta Devils attempted a comeback, with Jaydyn Sisk connecting with Kerrick Ross for a 20-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 21-14 late in the third quarter. Despite their efforts, Mississippi Valley State struggled to maintain momentum. They advanced deep into Lamar territory but were thwarted when Sisk was intercepted with just over ten minutes left in the game. This critical turnover shifted the momentum back to Lamar, allowing Griffin to dominate the final moments of the game. He carried the ball seven times during a crucial 10-play drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run that effectively sealed the victory for the Cardinals. Griffin's performance was remarkable, averaging 8.6 yards per carry on 23 attempts, demonstrating his ability to break through the Delta Devils' defense. Coleman, while completing only 12 of 30 passes, managed to accumulate 216 yards, averaging an impressive 18 yards per completion. Hyder was a key target, catching four passes for 117 yards, contributing to the Cardinals' offensive success. This win marked Lamar's first victory of the season, improving their record to 1-1, while Mississippi Valley State fell to 0-2. The game highlighted the Cardinals' offensive capabilities and set a positive tone for the remainder of their season.