JACKSON, TENN. - The Delta State University Statesmen (8-3, 6-2 in GSC) concluded regular season play Saturday with a 41-17 win over the Eagles of Lambuth University (4-6). With playoff hopes on the line, the Statesmen offense delivered its best performance of the season with a new school-record 711 yards of total offense.
In the first quarter, Lambuth converted on a 47-yard field goal attempt by Nate O'Jibway with 10:13 left in the first quarter to take a bried 3-0 lead. The Statesmen offense would answer on their next possession with a 47-yard touchdown pass from Micah Davis to Ray Chisolm, as DSU took the lead 7-3 and never looked back.
In the second quarter, the Statesmen offense continued to roll as DSU converted two more touchdowns with the running game. Rafael Mitchell ran for a 39-yard score to extend the lead to 14-3, while senior All-American running back Trevar Deed broke loose for a 57-yard run to the end zone to give the Statesmen a 20-3 edge over Lambuth at the break.
In the second half, the Statesmen offense continued to roll as Davis connected with Bill Franks for a 13-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 27-3.
Lambuth answered with a score of their own, as Jordan Jackson connected with Josh Wimbley on a 51-yard pass to cut the lead to 27-10 late in the third quarter.
DSU sealed the victory in the fourth quarter with Trevar Deed taking a 20 yard pass from Davis in for a score. Trailing 34-10, Lambuth would try to make a final run as Williams would run the ball 41 yards across the goal line cutting the deficit to 34-17.
The Statesmen would score once more in the fourth period, as Clint Farrar would run 13 yards to the endzone with 3:27 to play to closeout the scoring for DSU and ending the game at 41-17.
The Statesmen finished the game with 711 yards of total offense to Lambuth's 318. Delta State out rushed the Eagles 307 to 156, while converting on 35 first downs. Davis threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns, while Deed led the ground attack with 136 yards on 16 carries with one touchdown while also receiving 62 yards through the air with a score. Chance Dennis gained 86 yards on six receptions while L.J. Castille had 76 yards on six catches.
Defensively, Brett Butler and Mark Hoskins led the Statesmen with a pair of career-best performances, as the duo recorded nine tackles each. The Statesmen defense also picked off four Lambuth passes, including two by junior corner Dominique Davenport.
The Statesmen end regular season play with an 8-3 record and a share of their third Gulf South Conference title under coach Ron Roberts and the fifth in school history.
Delta State will learn what the postseason may hold on Sunday at 2 p.m., as ESPNews will carry the NCAA Division II Football Selection Show. GoStatesmen.com will offer complete coverage throughout the day on Sunday.
