GAME NOTES: Abilene Christian University at Delta State University (Sept. 27, 2012)
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CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Statesmen (1-2, 0-1 GSC) of Delta State University step outside of league play this Thursday, Sept. 27 as they play host to the Wildcats  (2-2, 1-1 LSC) of Abilene Christian University.  Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be televised as the Gulf South Conference TV Live Game of the Week.  It will also be featured on the Statesmen Sports Network and GoStatesmen.com TV starting at 5:30 p.m. with the DSU Alumni Association Statesmen Game Day Report.  Matt Jones, Rodney Martin and J.T. Webb have the call. 

ACU and DSU have enjoyed a long and heated rivalry on  the baseball field, but Thursday's meeting will mark the first time the two schools have met on the gridiron.  Despite being NCAA DII powers over the years, the Statesmen and Wildcats haven't found their way to the field.  Next season, the two schools are scheduled to play at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, as part of the annual Lone Star Conference/Gulf South Conference 1st & 10 Challenge. 

The Statesmen return to the big screen Thursday, as GSC-TV Live returns to Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  Delta State has enjoyed great success over the years in games televised regionally and nationally.  In the 22 games previously televised, the Statesmen are 16-6 all-time.

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 23-16 all-time, including 20 wins in his last two seasons at North Greenville University.  

QUICK SLANTS
Delta State's “Black Shirts” defense enters this week's contest with ACU ranked 13th in the NCAA in total defense (266.0).  The Statesmen have allowed 139.3 yards rushing and 126.7 yards passing per game.  DSU is also 7th in pass defense and 4th in pass efficiency defense.     

Junior quarterback Trevor Wooden is your clubhouse leader in the GSC in total offense at 233.7 yards per game.  The High Springs, Fla., native has completed 40-of-78 passes for 504 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. 

Lavon Downs, a senior from Avon Park, Fla., leads the Statesmen receiving corps with 15 grabs for 130 yards and a TD.  Downs has also averaged 10.3 yards per punt return and 38.0 yards per kick return.   

Junior linebacker Ixavier Triplett, who leads the Statesmen with 17 tackles this season, enters Thursday's game with 199 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 ACU ranked 2nd in the GSC in tackles-for-loss.  The Western Kentucky transfer has totaled 12 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss in three games this season.            

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
Dandrick Jackson, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound sophomore defensive back, is this week's “Statesman to Watch,” as he leads Delta State (1-2) into a matchup with previously ranked Abilene Christian University for the GSC TV Live Game of the Week. on Thursday, Sept. 27. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.

The Baytown, Texas native intercepted the first two passes of his career as a Statesman in the 20-12 loss to North Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Jackson's two interceptions are tied for the team lead, and are good enough to rank third in the GSC. He is currently tied for fourth on the team with 11 total tackles.  The former West Texas A&M transfer currently ranks 27th in the NCAA in interceptions per game, tied with teammate Eric Williams. 

INSIDE THE SERIES: DELTA STATE - ABILENE CHRISTIAN
While the Statesmen and Abilene Christian will be meeting on the gridiron for the first time in each school's history on Thursday, Sept. 27, the two schools have had quite the rivalry on the baseball diamond. DSU holds the all-time series lead at 18-9, including taking two-of-three in the 2012 meeting.

The two schools are scheduled to meet at one of the premiere stadiums in America in 2013, as they will battle in the GSC/LSC 1st & 10 Challenge at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

AGAINST THE STATES
The Statesmen are facing their first opponent this season from the state of Texas in Abilene Christian University, a team they have never played prior to tonight's game on Sept. 27.  DSU is 3-12 all-time against teams from the Lone Star state.

ON THE BIG SCREEN
The Statesmen return to the big screen on Thursday, Sept. 27, as the ACU-DSU showdown will be televised by the Cox Sports South Network and GSC-TV Live.  Delta State fell to Fort Valley State 31-23 in the first telecast of the season on Sept. 1 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. 

Delta State has enjoyed great success over the years in games televised regionally and nationally.  In the 22 games previously televised, the Statesmen are 16-6 all-time.    

The Statesmen were 3-0 on TV in 2011 with DSU claiming back-to-back wins on GSC-TV Live with a 34-20 victory over Arkansas-Monticello at Parker Field-McCool Stadium and a 30-24 OT win at North Alabama.  Delta State also defeated Valdosta State 36-33 on ESPN3.

RARE MISSTEPS AT PARKER-McCOOL
The last time the Statesmen dropped two straight home contests was 10 football seasons ago in 2001, when former Statesmen coach Steve Campbell's squad dropped its last two home decisions to Central Arkansas (33-7) and Arkansas Tech (35-28).

DELTA STATE VERSUS LONE STAR CONFERENCE
Thursday's contest with Abilene Christian marks only the sixth time in program history that the Statesmen have faced a Lone Star Conference opponent. DSU is currently 2-3 against its members, including a 2-2 mark with Texas A&M Commerce.

The Statesmen faced LSC member Texas A&M Kingsville to open the 2009 season. The Javelinas defeated DSU 28-17, marking the last meeting with an LSC institution.

WOODEN LIVING UP TO HYPE
Trevor Wooden, a junior transfer from Missouri State, leads the Gulf South Conference in total offense through three games played for the Statesmen, he has posted 197 yards rushing and 504 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.

SHARKS IN THE WATER
The Statesmen defense on the season ranks first in the Gulf South Conference in opponent first-downs by allowing only 15.3 per game and opponent third down conversions limiting opposing offenses to 11-of-40 (27.5) on conversion attempts.

DSU also leads the GSC in red zone defense, allowing opponents to convert only 3-of-8 chances inside the 20-yard line.

Nationally, the Statesmen feature the 13th best defense in the nation (266.0 ypg), seventh in pass defense (126.7 ypg) and fourth rated pass efficiency defense (85.3). 

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 three games of the 2012 season.

Last week, the secondary was highlighted through the play of sophomore cornerback Dandrick Jackson, who recorded a career-high seven tackles and his first two career interceptions last week against the University of North Alabama.

The Statesmen secondary limited the Lions to just 16 total yards passing and forced two interceptions on Sept. 22 at Parker Field.

LUBIN ON THE LOOSE
Sophomore Diego Lubin ranks second in the Gulf South Conference in tackles for loss coming into this week's game with 4.5 for a total of 15 yards through three 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 43 career games played on the offensive line, including 31 consecutive starts at right tackle.

If all goes according to plan, he will amass 50-plus games in the Green-and-White for DSU.

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 conference games.

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.

“TRUE” FRESHMAN
True freshman running back Rondreas Truesdale continues to be one of the main features in head coach Jamey Chadwell's offensive scheme. Truesdale has accumulated 149 all-purpose yards with 106 yards coming on 24 rushing attempts and hauling in four receptions for 43 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.

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 five total tackles and a forced fumble in the Gulf South Conference opener against the University of North Alabama. Through three games, Triplett leads the team in tackles with 17 and is second on the squad with 3.0 tackles-for-loss.

The 2010 GSC Defensive Freshman of the Year has totaled 199 tackles in just 31 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 23.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks and 11 pass break-ups in his career at DSU.

STATESMEN IN THE NCAA STATS
Delta State Football has several Statesmen ranked among the NCAA's leaders in many statistical categories.  Senior safety Eric Williams and sophomore safety Dandrick Jackson are currently tied for 27th in interceptions.  Linebackers Diego Lubin and Rory Island have packed a solid punch this year as well, as Lubin is 55th in tackles-for-loss and Island 74th in sacks.

Offensively, junior quarterback Trevor Wooden is 56th in total offense at 233.7 yards per game and 97th in pass efficiency (114.97). 

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 five tackles in the 20-12 loss to the University of North Alabama, he has a total of 12 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 one tackle and forced a fumble in last Saturday's 20-12 loss against the University of North Alabama. The Hinds CC transfer has eight tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

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 started all 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.

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.”

DOWNS LEADING WAY AT RECEIVER
Senior wide receiver Lavon Downs has hauled in 15 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown so far this season, which includes posting three receptions for 20 yards in the 20-12 loss against Gulf South Conference Rival the University of North Alabama.

Downs led the Statesmen while tying his career-high in receptions in the season opener against Fort Valley State University with seven for a total of 67 yards.

Lavon 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.

“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 62 yards in last week's contest against the University of North Alabama, Jackson so far this season has amassed 194 yards on 10 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 the season opener against FVSU.

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 sofar this season has four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, which came on a 17-yard strike from quarterback Trevor Wooden in the season opener against Fort Valley 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.