Harding Bisons (2-1) at Delta State (1-1) - Game Notes
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CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Statesmen (1-1) will look to gain momentum from their first victory of the season as they play host to Harding University (2-1) on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Saturday's game will be the first home contest of the season for DSU and the green-and-white will be observing its 24th annual Pig Pickin' Festival.

The Statesmen, who are currently No. 9 in the latest American Football Coaches Association Top 25 Poll, racked up 636 yards of total offense in the 42-3 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Sept. 12. The 636 yards marks the third highest total in a regular season game in Statesmen history. “It was good to see us move the ball well in that game,” said Statesmen coach Ron Roberts. “We still have some things to work on, but I was pleased with the effort our guys made.”

The Bisons put a scare into the Statesmen in the 2008 meeting between the two schools, however DSU held on to win 56-49 in overtime in a game where the Statesmen led by as many as 28 points in the first half. “We know that Coach Huckeba will have his players ready. They are going to play hard the entire game and their skill guys are very good,” Roberts added.

Harding will be led by a talented group of offensive players that include wide receivers Zac Ross and Jordan Watson. The duo has combined for 27 catches for 314 yards. Kale Gelles and Tyler O'Quin have four of the six receiving touchdowns thrown from quarterback Josh Powell. Powell has thrown for 964 yards and six touchdowns in his debut campaign.

Dominic Blood leads the Bisons rushing attack with 175 yards on 39 carries with three touchdowns. The versatile back has also caught 12 passes for 67 yards. The Bisons average 437.3 yards per contest on offense, but allow 471.7.

The Bisons defense is led by Josh Jones, who earned GSC Defensive Player of the Week honors following a performance where he racked up 15 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and two pass break ups.

The Statesmen offense will continue to lean on junior Trevar Deed following a seven catch 126 yard effort in the win over Arkansas-Monticello. The Phoenix, Ariz., native also scored his first two touchdowns of the season.

DSU's offense also found two new weapons with the emergence of running backs Darnell Taylor and Eric Johnson. Johnson led all rushers with seven carries for 62 yards, while Taylor gained 44 yards on seven carries in his first collegiate contest.

The Statesmen lead the all-time series 8-0-1, with the tie coming in 1994.

Saturday's game also marks the 24th annual Pig Pickin festivities at Statesmen Park, the single largest BBQ event in the Delta. The game will be broadcast live on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning at 5 p.m. with the South Group Insurance Locker Room Report. Jimmy Smith handles play-by-play with analysis from Richard Webster and sideline coverage provided by J.T. Webb.