CLEVELAND- It is finally here, the Delta State University football team is ready to open the 2010 season traveling to Jackson State. Tired of competing against one another, the Statesmen are set to do battle this Saturday, September 4th, at 4pm against the Tigers at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Jackson State, of the South West Atlantic Conference, will face the Statesmen for the second time in three years, losing the first bout 27-15.  

The Statesmen will not look to that win as comfort for this bout with Jackson State because many of the faces are not the same. They know that it will take an entire team effort to pull off a victory against the Tigers this time around. Jackson State features many highly touted players on the defensive side of the ball such as defensive end Donavan Robinson, linebacker Ryan Rich, and defensive backs Anthony Johnson and Kerry Hoskins. All players received preseason honors for their performance on the defense of Jackson State.  

Delta State is ready to right the ship coming off a 5-5 season last year and know that it is important to start the year off with a win.  With a new starter at quarterback in redshirt junior Micah Davis and new offensive coordinator Greg Stevens, the Statesmen are ready to reload on offense.  Six Division I transfers at the wide receiver position will also help bolster the offense along with the return of preseason All American Trevar Deed.  

On the defensive side, new coordinator and former standout safety for Delta State, Pete Golding, has inherited a deep corps of talent.  The defense features many talented returners and a bevy of new transfers that has the look to be a daunting defensive nightmare for teams in the Gulf South Conference.  

The Statesmen will depart for Jackson, Mississippi the morning of September 4th for the 4pm kickoff against Jackson State at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.  The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3pm on the "Shelter Insurance Locker Room Report." Matt Jones will run the play-by-play for the game with Richard Webster and Jimmy Smith handling the color commentary.  JT Webb will be handling the sideline duty during the game. The game will also be broadcast on the internet at  www.GoStatesmen.com.  Stations carrying the game include: WMJW 107.5 FM (Cleveland), WJNT 1180 AM (Jackson) and WQXB 100.1 FM (Grenada).