GAME NOTES: Delta State University (1-3, 0-1 GSC) at Tarleton State University (2-2, 2-2 LSC) - Oct. 6, 2012
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CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Statesmen (1-3, 0-1 GSC) of Delta State University step outside of league play this Saturday, Oct. 6 as they travel to face the Texans (2-2, 2-2 LSC) of Tarleton State University.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be featured on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 6 p.m. with the DSU Alumni Association Statesmen Game Day Report.  Matt Jones, J.T. Webb and Eric Gallo will have the call. 

Tarleton State and Delta State are meeting for the first time on the gridiron Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas.  Despite being NCAA DII mainstays over the years, the Statesmen and Texans haven't found their way to the field.   The game marks the second opponent this year from Texas in as many weeks.  Delta State is just 3-13 all-time against teams from the Lone Star state, including a 34-28 loss last week to Abilene Christian at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. 

STATESMAN QUICK HITTERS
 - DSU head football coach Jamey Chadwell is in his first season as skipper of the Statesmen and his fourth as a collegiate head coach.  Chadwell, a former East Tennessee State quarterback, is 23-17 all-time, including 20 wins in his last two seasons at North Greenville University.  

 - Delta State's “Black Swarm” defense enters this week's contest with TSU ranked 12th in the NCAA in total defense (279.5).  The Statesmen have allowed 123.0 yards rushing and 156.5 yards passing per game.  DSU is also 17th in pass defense and 12th in pass efficiency defense.     

 - Junior quarterback Trevor Wooden is your clubhouse leader in the GSC in total offense at 262.2 yards per game.  The High Springs, Fla., native has completed 54-of-103 passes for 764 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing for 285 yards and two touchdowns. 

 - Lavon Downs, a senior from Avon Park, Fla., leads the Statesmen receiving corps with 21 grabs for 228 yards and a TD.  Downs caught six passes for 98 yards versus Abilene Christian (9.27).  He is also averaging 32.0 yards per kick return and 10.3 per punt return.   

 - Junior linebacker Ixavier Triplett, who leads the Statesmen with 31 tackles this season, enters Saturday's game with 213 career tackles, a pace good enough to contend for the school's all-time record. Former Statesmen All-American Lardester Hicks-Green, who ended his career as the GSC's all-time leader, holds the record with 343 tackles.       

 - Senior Eric Williams and sophomore Dandrick Jackson are currently tied for 3rd in the GSC and 27th in the NCAA in interceptions per game.  

 - Sophomore linebacker Diego Lubin enters this week's game versus TSU tied for the GSC lead in tackles-for-loss.  The Western Kentucky transfer has totaled 15 tackles and 5.5 tackles-for-loss in four games this season. 

 - Senior Brant Botill wasted little time making an impact after moving back to running back versus ACU.  The 2011 All-GSC selection rushed nine times for 55 yards, including a 2-yard TD run in DSU's 21-point second quarter.   

 - The Statesmen offensive line has allowed just seven sacks for 28 yards this season, ranking second in the GSC.         

 - Versus Top 25: DSU will play three games against teams in the top 25 this season. DSU is 16-6 against DII ranked opponents in the last five years. 

STATESMAN TO WATCH: BRANT BOTILL, RB
Brant Botill, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior running back, is this week's “Statesman to Watch,” as he leads Delta State (1-3) into a matchup with Tarleton State University on Saturday, Oct. 6. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

The Corcoran, Calif., native made his 2012 debut at running back for the Statesmen after being moved from linebacker at the start of spring practice. Botill finished with 54 yards on nine carries and a touchdown.  His scoring jaunt came on a 2-yard scamper in DSU's 21-point second quarter versus the Wildcats. 

The College of the Sequoias transfer was named Second Team All-Gulf South Conference following his junior season in which he gained 406 yards on 92 carries with five touchdowns, including three game winners.

INSIDE THE SERIES: DELTA STATE - TARLETON STATE
Tarleton State and Delta State are meeting for the first time on the gridiron Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas.  Despite being NCAA DII mainstays over the years, the Statesmen and Texans haven't found their way to the field.

AGAINST THE STATES
The Statesmen are facing their second opponent this season from the state of Texas, as DSU travels to Tarleton State, a team they have never played prior to tonight's game. 

DSU is 3-13 all-time against teams from the Lone Star state, including a 34-28 loss last week to Abilene Christian at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. 

RARE MISSTEPS AT PARKER-McCOOL
The last time the Statesmen dropped three straight home contests in a single season was 15 football seasons ago in 1997, when former Statesmen coach Todd Knight's squad went 0-5 on the season at home with losses to Arkansas Tech (23-20), Central Arkansas (37-12), Southern Arkansas (24-6), North Alabama (17-10) and West Georgia (28-9).

DELTA STATE VERSUS LONE STAR CONFERENCE
Saturday's contest with Tarleton State marks only the seventh time in program history that the Statesmen have faced a Lone Star Conference opponent. DSU is currently 2-4 against its members, including a 2-2 mark with Texas A&M Commerce.

The Statesmen faced LSC member Abilene Christian for the first time ever last week on Thursday, Sept. 27. The Wildcats defeated DSU 34-28, marking the last meeting with an LSC institution.

“ACTION” JACKSON EXPLODES ONTO THE SCENE
Senior wide-out Kevin Jackson, continues to be an explosive playmaker in the Statesmen offense reeling in five receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown in last week's contest against Abilene Christian, Jackson so far this season has amassed 325 yards on 15 receptions.

The Fresno, Calif., native made his mark in the 26-7 victory over Elizabeth City State by hauling in three receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown, quite possibly the highlight of the game, came on the hail mary jump-ball Jackson caught in the back corner end zone at the end of the first-half of play.

After only playing in two games during the 2011 season before being sidelined by an injury, Jackson recorded two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown in theseason opener against FVSU.

STATESMEN, NOT OKRA
The Delta State University football team mascot is officially the “Statesmen.”  While the student body may enjoy the “Fighting Okra” as an unofficial mascot, the official mascots of the DSU's athletic programs are “Statesmen” and “Lady Statesmen.”

FALKNER EMERGES AS OFFENSIVE THREAT
The 2012 season opener against Fort Valley State University gave birth to the emergence of a new receiving threat for the Statesmen in tight end Reed Falkner.

The Oxford, Miss., native entered the 2012 season with only five career catches for 75 yards and was mainly used as a blocking tight end under the previous regime.

Falkner so far this season has six receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns, with the latest coming on a 17-yard strike from quarterback Trevor Wooden in last weeks contest between Abilene Christian.

BOTILL MAKES RETURN TO RUNNING BACK
Senior Brant Botill made his return to the Statesmen backfield last week against AbileneChristian after spending the first four games of the season playing linebacker for the Green-and-White. Botill carried the ball a total of nine times for 55 yards and a touchdown in his return.

The Concoran, Calif., native was a Second Team All-GSC selection in 2011 rushing for 406 yards and five touchdowns on 92 carries including three game-winning touchdowns for the Statesmen last season.

LUBIN ON THE LOOSE
Sophomore Diego Lubin leads the Gulf South Conference in tackles for loss coming intothis week's game with seven for a total of 24 yards through four games played.

The Winter Haven, Fla., native posted five tackles and three tackles for loss for a total of 10 yards in the 26-7 winning effort against Elizabeth City State on Sept. 8.

HUNTER TO MAKE RUN AT GAMES PLAYED RECORD
Offensive tackle Kendall Hunter, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound senior from Mound Bayou, Miss., is set to make a run at the school's record for career games played.

The All-GSC and All-American candidate has started for three seasons at DSU and continues his 2012 campaign with 44 career games played on the offensive line, including 32 consecutive starts at right tackle. If all goes according to plan, he will amass 50-plus games in the Green-and-White for DSU.

THE “BLACK SWARM”
The Statesmen defense ranks first in the Gulf South Conference in opponent first-downs by allowing only 17.25 per game and opponent third down conversions limiting opposing offenses to 18-of-55 (32.7) on conversion attempts. DSU also leads the GSC and is ranked sixth nationally in red zone defense, allowing opponents to convert only 8-of-14 chances inside the 20-yard line.

Nationally, the Statesmen feature the 12th best defense in the nation (279.0 ypg), 17th in pass defense (156.5 ypg) and 24th rated pass efficiency defense (105.88).

STINGY STATESMEN SECONDARY
The Statesmen bring back a quality group of cornerbacks and safeties this season and it has shown on the playing field through the first four games of the 2012 season.

Last week, the secondary was highlighted through the play of freshman linebacker Marvin Clayton, who recorded a career-high six tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack last week against Abilene Christian. The Statesmen secondary limited the Wildcats to just 246 total yards passing well below their season average.

“TRUE” FRESHMAN
True freshman running back Rondreas Truesdale continues to be one of the main features in head coach Jamey Chadwell's offensive scheme. The talented freshman recorded his first collegiate touchdown on a 59-yard scamper last Thursday against Abilene Christian.

Truesdale has accumulated 230 all-purpose yards with 179 yards coming on 29 rushing attempts and hauling in five receptions for 51 yards.

The Lancaster, S.C. native's versatility and speed allows him to be a threat not only on offense but as a contributor on special teams.

STATESMEN IN THE NCAA STATS
Delta State Football has several Statesmen ranked among the NCAA's leaders in many statistical categories.  Senior corner Eric Williams and sophomore safety Dandrick Jackson are currently tied for 44th in interceptions.  Linebacker Diego Lubin has packed a solid punch this year as well, as Lubin is 71th in tackles-for-loss.

Offensively, junior quarterback Trevor Wooden is 46th in total offense at 262.25 yards per game and 76th in pass efficiency (124.25).

TRIPLETT A NIGHTMARE FOR ANY OFFENSE
Junior linebacker Ixavier Triplett continues the 2012 season on a quest to continue his run towards the school record for career tackles after recording 14 total tackles and a tackle for loss in last week's contest against Abilene Christian. Through four games, Triplett leads the team in tackles with 31 and is third on the squad with 3.5 tackles-for-loss.

The 2010 GSC Defensive Freshman of the Year has totaled 213 tackles in just 32 career games played and is currently on pace to eclipse the record of 343 held by former Statesman All-American Lardester Hicks-Green.The former Scott Central HS star has also amassed 24 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks and 11 pass break-ups in his career at DSU.

WOODEN PACING GSC AT QB
Trevor Wooden, a junior transfer from Missouri State, leads the Gulf South Conference in total offense and passing yardage through fourgames played for the Statesmen, he has posted 285 yards rushing and 764 yards passing.

Wooden opened the 2012 season at quarterback for the Statesmen on Sept 1, against Fort Valley State University where he completed 13-of-25 to five different receivers for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the effort against the Wildcats and led the Green-and-White in rushing with 49 yards on 12 attempts.

The High Springs, Fla., native accounted for a Missouri Valley Conference best 2,420 yards of total offense as a sophomore. Wooden completed 138-of-233 passes for 1,853 yards and 17 touchdowns with only eight interceptions.  He also rushed for 567 yards on 150 carries with seven touchdowns.

NOT ON MY ISLAND
Sophomore linebacker Rory Island continued to grow as a linebacker under the tutelage of linebacker's coach Lanier Gothie, as he recorded four tackles in the 34-28 loss to Abilene Christian, he has a total of 116 tackles on the season.

Island ranks third in the Gulf South Conference in the sacks category with two for a total of 12 yards. Island proved Sept. 1, versus Fort Valley State that no one gains ground on his “Island,” as the Gulfport, Miss., native recorded five tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks.  He also tallied one pass break-up.

WILLIAMS LOCKS DOWN SECONDARY
Senior defensive back Eric Williams recorded four tackles in last Thursday's loss against the Abilene Christian. The Hinds CC transfer has 12 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble so far on the season.

Williams made his presence known in the DSU secondary after his performance in the season opener on Sept. 8, against Fort Valley State University. The Jackson, Miss., native recorded four tackles in the contest, and he kept the Statesmen in the game with his two timely interceptions.

ALL-AMERICAN LAMAR YOUNG RETURNS TO ANCHOR LINE
Senior All-American Lamar Young, who missed spring practices for the Statesmen, returns this season to anchor the offensive line for coach Jim Beverly.  The University of Maryland transfer startedall 14 games last season en route to All-GSC, All-Region and Honorable Mention All-American honors.  The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Riverdale, Ga., native teams up with Kendall Hunter and Will Kent to form a solid nucleus up front for DSU.

DOWNS LEADING WAY AT RECEIVER
Senior wide receiver Lavon Downs has hauled in 21 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown so far this season, which includes posting six receptions for 98 yards in the 34-28 loss against LSC member Abilene Christian.

Downs finished 2011 fifth on the Statesmen receiving charts with 27 grabs for 433 yards and three touchdowns, but he showed down the stretch his ability to make big plays for DSU.

In victories over North Alabama and West Alabama, the Avon Park, Fla., native hauled in seven passes each, while setting up game-winning scores for Brant Botill and Carlton Ollie.  He also played a major role in DSU's 36-33 win over Valdosta State with three receptions for 63 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown.

GSC OPENERS CAUSE HEADACHES FOR NEW HEAD COACHES
Following the 20-12 loss to North Alabama in its Gulf South Conference opener, DSU is now 2-2 in GSC openers for its last four head coaches in their first conferencegames.

Former head coach Steve Campbell defeated Arkansas Tech 17-10 in his conference debut, while Rick Rhoades fell 42-0 to Valdosta State to open his GSC tenure. Ron Roberts won his GSC debut in thrilling fashion with a 9-7 win over Henderson State.

CHADWELL CAPTURES FIRST WIN AS DSU HEAD COACH
In his second game on the sidelines at DSU, Jamey Chadwell captured his first victory as head coach with a 26-7 win at Elizabeth City State.  It was a win synonymous with Chadwell's career, a balanced defensive effort.  DSU out-gained ECSU 497 to 209, including a balanced 258 rushing and 239 yards passing.

Trevor Wooden completed 15-of-30 passes for 239 yards with two touchdowns and a interception, while rushing 17 times for 98 yards and another score.  Richard Freelon finished with 11 carries for 85 yards, while Horn closed with six carries for 28 yards and a score.

Lavon Downs had five grabs for 43 yards and touchdown, and Kevin Jackson caught three passes for 94 yards and a score to pace the receiving corps.

All-Gulf South Conference first-team linebacker Ixavier Triplett and the Statesmen defense kept the Vikings off balance in the first-half allowing 83 yards of total offense and held the Vikings to just 1-of-6 on third-down conversions. Triplett and Montavius Hill paced the DSU defense with five tackles each.

NEW COACHING STAFF HAS TOP PEDIGREE
DSU's new football staff is no stranger to successes at the highest levels of college football.  Defensive coordinator Chad Staggs and DL coach Skylor Magee both got their starts as graduate assistants for the “Ole Ball Coach” Steve Spurrier at South Carolina.

Offensive coordinator Gabe Giardina was a placekicker and graduate assistant coach at the University of Alabama under coaches Mike Shula and Nick Saban, and offensive line coach Jim Beverly was a college teammate of head coach Jamey Chadwell and once held the NFL combine record of 41 reps of 225-pound bench press.

The staff also features former Mississippi gridiron standouts, including USM All-American defensive end Skylor Magee and Ole Miss “Chucky Mullins Award” winning linebacker Lanier Goethie.

UP NEXT: WEST GEORGIA WOLVES
The Statesmen return to Gulf South Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 13, as Delta State welcomes the University of West Georgia to Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  The game will have a little twinge of revenge for the Green-and-White, as they look to avenge last season's lone NCAA DII regular season loss, a 39-35 thriller at UWG. 

UWG finished the game with 407 yards of total offense on 76 plays, while DSU topped 500 yards with 544 on 83 plays.

The Statesmen rushed for 398 yards on 46 carries, led by Brandon Lucas' 233 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns.  The Covington, Ga., native accounted for fifth most rushing yards in game in school history.

UWG's Emmanuel Taylor amassed 355 total offense yards, including 258 yards passing on 16-of-32 attempts and 97 yards rushing on 25 carries with four total touchdowns.

Robbie Mayers, a senior from Laurel, Miss., led all Statesmen defenders with 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack.  Mark Hoskins added seven tackles, a sack and a tackle-for-loss.