Mike DiLiello leads way as Austin Peay football blanks Mississippi Valley State

For the second straight week, Austin Peay football did not allow a point while its offense did what it wanted to do in a 41-0 victory against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday at Fortera Stadium.

After putting up more than 700 yards and 63 points last week, the Govs (2-1) totaled 512 yards Saturday while quarterback Mike DiLiello finished 25-of-33 passing for 383 yards and five touchdowns.

The Govs didn't score in the second half but didn't need to. Mississippi Valley State had only 121 total yards. It's the Govs' first back-to-back shutouts since 1964 and a fourth straight home win dating back to last year. The last time the Govs shut out three straight opponents was in 1946.

Needed motivation

If winning a second straight wasn't motivation enough, the Govs got an extra dose on the game's opening kickoff. Special teams ace and defensive lineman, K.T. Owens was injured after a hard collision that drew a flag.

The Govs took exception to laughing and celebrating from Mississippi Valley State (0-2) and both teams exchanged words for minutes as officials sorted out the flag. The words continued through the first quarter before Austin Peay ultimately let its play finish the dispute, putting up 21 points in the first quarter and 408 yards in the first half.

DeLiello setting an ASUN record

After throwing four first-half touchdowns and then not playing nearly all of the second half against Presbyterian in the opener, DeLiello played into the fourth quarter against the Delta Devils. DiLiello played while sick and head coach Scotty Walden was unsure if he'd start Saturday. But the Middle Tennessee State transfer's 383 yards broke the ASUN record for a game and was the third most in APSU history. His 25 completions were the most for a Govs QB in a decade.

DiLiello was finally replaced midway through the fourth quarter by Sheldon Layman. He's showing why coach Scotty Walden put his faith in the offense in DiLiello's hands.

Speed kills. Especially Drae McCray's

Mississippi Valley State made the mistake of playing a zone with two deep safeties, giving McCray ample room to roam in the secondary. The Govs made the Delta Devils pay as the sophomore All-ASUN receiver caught a career-high 10 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. It's his second straight 100-yard game.

McCray's second TD came after his 60-yard touchdown catch was called back for holding. He caught a short pass, made a quick move and sprinted along the Govs' sideline for a 35-yard touchdown. Four Delta Devils had the angle on McCray but his speed left them grasping at air.

Govs defense in a groove

Granted Presbyterian and Mississippi Valley State aren't offensive juggernauts, but Austin Peay's defense has been nothing short of brilliant. Even in the loss against Western Kentucky in the season opener the Govs have consistently put pressure on quarterbacks while the secondary continues to make life difficult for opponent's passing game.

Austin Peay had an interception against WKU and picked off Mississippi Valley State twice Saturday. The Delta Devils had 34 passing yards in the first half, 50 for the game and only crossed the 50-yard line twice Saturday. It's the second straight game the Govs have held an opponent to less than 220 yards.

Pass protection problems continue

If there was one chink in the Govs' armor it was protecting DiLiello. The Hilltoppers exposed the Govs' offensive line Aug. 27. Mississippi Valley State exposed it again. The Delta Devils had five sacks and sent DiLiello scrambling six other times. The line was flagged four times for holding and twice for false starts and the team was flagged 15 times for 176 yards.

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Reach sports writer George Robinson at grobinson@gannett.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Austin Peay football beats Mississippi Valley State for second straight shutout