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GAME NOTES: Delta State University (3-1, 2-0 GSC) at No. 14 University of West Alabama (3-1, 1-0 GSC)
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CLEVELAND, Miss. - In a series that dates back to a 0-0 tie in 1940, two of the Gulf South Conference's founding institutions will square off on Thursday, Oct. 3, as the Delta State Statesmen (3-1, 2-0 GSC) travel to Tiger Stadium to face the No. 14 Tigers of West Alabama (3-1, 1-0 GSC) in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 5:30 p.m.
Matt Jones, Mark Williams, Lane Quinton and
Philip Tang have the call.
The Statesmen lead the all-time series 33-20-3, including victories in eight of the last 10 meetings between the two schools. Delta State is 24-9-1 all-time versus West Alabama at Parker Field-McCool Stadium, while holding a 9-11-2 mark in Livingston, Ala. UWA claimed a 37-7 victory last season versus the Jamey Chadwell-led Statesmen at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The victory snapped a two-game win streak for DSU over the Tigers.
The Statesmen are playing their 25th game on television this week at West Alabama in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. DSU is 17-7 in its previous 24 televised games.
Delta State is looking to move to .500 all-time in the month of October Thursday, Oct. 3 at West Alabama. DSU is 163-164-12 all-time in October.
Thursday's game with West Alabama will be played under the lights at Tiger Stadium. DSU is 271-234-4 in night games in program history.
The Statesmen are 93-102-5 versus teams from the state of Alabama. Delta State defeated North Alabama 37-34 at Braly Municipal Stadium two weeks ago. West Alabama is the second of three opponents this season from the"Heart of Dixie" for Delta State. The Green-and-White close out its Alabama opponents on Nov. 9 with Concordia College of Selma at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
Delta State features 13 players from the "Heart of Dixie." Delta State's Alabama natives include:
Tre McNeal (WR/Enterprise),
Tyler Garner (OL/Adamsville),
Rashaad Hughley (LB/Auburn),
D.J. Holley (WR/Auburn),
Justin McArthur (RB/Birmingham),
Marshall Burgin (LB/Birmingham),
Ken Gray (TE/Birmingham),
Manny Jones (WR/Enterprise),
R.J. Hulse (OL/Foley),
Landry Tullo (LB/Hoover),
Trent Dunne (DT/Hoover),
David Evans (DB/Hueytown),
Timothy Foy (RB/Hueytown), and
Andre Lucious (OL/Tuscaloosa).
DSU is coming off a thrilling 52-31 victory over Florida Tech in last week's 28th annual Pig Pickin' Classic. In front of 8,012 fans, the fourth largest crowd in program history,
Travis Champion completed 29-of-36 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns to lead DSU to th victory. GSC Offensive Player of the Week
Timothy Foy scored three touchdowns, including two scoring receptions.
OPENING DRIVE
A Rivalry Renewed: The Statesmen (3-1, 2-0 GSC) of Delta State University are making their first trip to Tiger Stadium since 2009 this Thursday, Oct. 3 to face the Tigers (3-1, 1-0 GSC) of the University of West Alabama in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. It's one of the oldest rivalries in the GSC, as Thursday's game marks the 57th meeting all-time between two of the league's founding institutions. DSU leads the all-time series 33-20-3, but fell to UWA 37-7 last season. The Statesmen are 9-11-2 in games played at Tiger Stadium.
Foy Grabs GSC Offensive Honor: Redshirt freshman running back Tim Foy garnered DSU's second-straight GSC Offensive Player of the Week honor on Monday. Foy rushed for just 39 yards and a touchdown in the 52-31 win over Gulf South Conference newcomer Florida Tech on Saturday, Sept. 28, but really did damage to the FIT defense recording six catches for 108 yards and two scores out of the backfield.
Freelon tops 100-yard Mark; Adds to Career Total: Senior running back
Richard Freelon looked like his old self versus Florida Tech, rushing 20 times for 117 yards in DSU's 52-31 victory. Freelon, who became the 18th Statesman to top the 1,000 career rushing yards mark with his performance versus North Alabama, has carried the ball 212 times for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns in his career.
Champion tops 400 Again; Leads NCAA DII in Completion Percentage: Junior quarterback
Travis Champion topped the 400-yard mark for the second-straight game after completing 29-of-36 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns versus Florida Tech. The Moreno Valley, Calif., native has completed 119-of-157 passes for 1,378 yards this year, including 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He currently leads the GSC in passing (344.5 ypg), completions (119), attempts (157), yards (1,378) and completion percentage (75.8), which also ranks as the top completion percentage in NCAA DII.
Davis Picks Two: Junior corner
Jeremy Davis intercepted two passes in DSU's 52-31 victory over Florida Tech, returning one 20-yards for a touchdown. The Natchez, Miss., native finished the game with three tackles and four pass breakups.
Freshmen making their mark on Statesmen: Coach
Todd Cooley and his staff certainly aren't afraid to give freshmen a chance to get on the field, as DSU has played 16 true or redshirt freshmen this season. Several Statesman freshmen have seen significant playing time, including
Timothy Foy (RB),
David Evans (SS),
Michael Davison (WR),
D'Juan Bellaire (RB),
Sifa Finau (DT),
Latrell Peterson (DE) and
Landry Tullo (LB).
Lethal Trio: Sophomores
Casey Osborne and
Patrick Bethley, and junior
Ricky Hunt are proving to be quite a lethal trio at for offensive coordinator
Joel Williams' scheme. The trio ranks first, third and fourth respectively in the GSC in receptions per game. Hunt has caught a team-leading 31 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown. Osborne has 26 grabs for 344 yards and a GSC-leading six touchdowns, while Bethley has hauled in 19 passes for 287 yards and two scores.
Sciorrotta Scores A Lot: True freshman kicker
Vince Sciorrotta leads the GSC in scoring at 10.5 points per game. The Cumming, Ga., native is 8-of-11 on field goals attempts this season and 18-of-18 on PATs.
Nash Leading By Example: Sophomore rover
Richard Nash continues to lead by example for the Statesmen. Nash leads DSU with 32 tackles and ranks eighth in the GSC.
Lubin Getting Loose: Redshirt junior defensive end
Diego Lubin has made a major impact for the Statesman defense since his return. The Winter Haven, Fla., native leads DSU and the GSC with 4.0 sacks and ranks second in TFLs with 6.0 in three games.
Morgan's Message: Junior outside linebacker
Artavius Morgan is heating up at the right time for DSU. The Fairburn, Ga., native leads the league in tackles-for-loss (6.5). In four games, he has 19 tackles, 6.5 TFL and a sack.
Statesmen in the Stats: The Statesman passing attack has returned to the tops of the GSC rankings and fifth nationally, as DSU enters this week averaging 382.8 yards per game through the air. DSU ranks second in total offense (523.8) and third on total defense (324.5). The Statesman still feature the league's top rated run defense, allowing just 72.8 yards per game.
Up Next: The Statesmen will enjoy an open week on Saturday, Oct. 12 before returning to Parker Field-McCool Stadium to host Tarleton State University on Saturday, Oct. 19. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
OFFENSE
Statesman Offense Tops 400-yard mark again: The Statesmen have consistently put up impressive offensive numbers since the season opener against Mississippi Valley State. Delta State has racked up 400-plus yards of offensive in every game so far this season posting 591 yards against Florida Tech, 602 yards against North Alabama, 418 yards in the lone loss to A&M – Commerce and 452 yards against the Delta Devils.
Foy Grabs GSC Offensive Honor: Redshirt freshman running back Tim Foy garnered DSU's second-straight GSC Offensive Player of the Week honor on Monday. Foy rushed for just 39 yards and a touchdown in the 52-31 win over Gulf South Conference newcomer Florida Tech on Saturday, Sept. 28, but really did damage to the FIT defense recording six catches for 108 yards and two scores out of the backfield.
Red Zone Effectiveness: Delta State continues to find ways to score once reaching the red zone this season and went 5-for-6 in the 52-31 win against Florida Tech at home on Sept. 28. DSU is 20-for-25 on the year inside the zone with 12 touchdowns and eight field goals.
Spreading the Wealth: While the Statesmen offense has certainly proven it has some weapons this season. In last week's win, the Statesmen used seven different rushers and passers against Florida Tech. In the win against UNA, DSU completed passes to 11 different receivers and utilized six different rushers in the game. On the season Delta State has utilized 11 different rushers and 15 separate receivers.
Playing Like One: With the last name Champion, a lot of pressure is already on the shoulders of DSU's starting quarterback. The 6-foot-3, 225 pound junior has played tremendously well for coach Cooley and the Statesmen this season. The Moreno Valley, Calif., native has completed 119-of-157 passes for 1,378 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Champion's 344.5 yards passing per game ranks first in the GSC, while his 1,378 yards passing total also is tops among league signal-callers and ranks third in pass efficiency behind a pair of West Alabama quarterbacks.
Three Headed Monster: Sophomores Casey Osborne and Patrick Bethley, and junior Ricky Hunt are proving to be quite a lethal trio at for offensive coordinator Joel Williams' scheme. The trio is ranks first, third and fourth respectively in the GSC in receptions per game. Hunt has caught a team-leading 31 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown. Osborne has 26 grabs for 344 yards and a GSC-leading six touchdowns, while Bethley has hauled in 19 passes for 287 yards and two scores.
Freelon Breaks 1,000 Yard Mark: Senior running back Richard Freelon needed just four yards at North Alabama on Sept. 21, to join the 1,000 yard rushing club at DSU, he did just that picking up 12 yards on seven carries in the 37-34 win over the Lions. Freelon followed up with 117 yards rushing on 20 carries in the 52-31 win over Florida Tech last week.
The Bruce, Miss., native has rushed for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns on 212 carries in his career at DSU.
Third & Fourth Down Effectiveness: DSU enters Saturday's game 32-of-71 (45-percent) on third down conversions and 8-of-11 (73-percent) on fourth down attempts.
Aerial Assault: The Statesman passing attack has returned to the tops of the GSC rankings, as DSU enters this week averaging 382.8 yards per game through the air. Junior quarterback Travis Champion is also atop the GSC leader board in terms of passing yards (344.5), completions (119), attempts (157), completion percentage (75.8) and passing touchdowns (10).
DEFENSE
Statesmen Lead GSC in Rush Defense: A year removed from one of the worst defensive outputs in quite sometime, the Statesman defense enters week five ranked third in the GSC allowing 324.5 yards per game. The Statesmen have allowed just 291 yards on the ground and 1,007 through the air in the first four weeks of the season.
Davis shines versus Panthers: Junior transfer Jeremy Davis showed up big time in the 52-31 victory of Florida Tech last week. The Copiah-Lincoln Community College transfer only posted three tackles but his major contribution came off of two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Nash continues to play well at rover for Statesmen: Richard Nash, a junior transfer from Georgia Military Institute, picked up right where he left off last week with eight tackles in the 52-31 win against Florida Tech. Nash ranks fourth in the Gulf South Conference in total tackles with 32 (8.0 tpg).
In week one, Nash was named the GSC Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven solo tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss and intercepting a pass.
Lubin cutting loose: Redshirt junior defensive end Diego Lubin, who garnered All-GSC honors last season at linebacker, has made an immediate impact on the edge for DC Charles Anthony. The Winter Haven, Fla., leads the GSC in tackles-for-loss with 6 total (5.0 unassisted, 2.0 unassisted) and sacks (4.0 total).
Opponents cold on third down: The DSU defense has done an excellent job on third down this season, holding the opposition to just 22-of-62 (35-percent) on third down conversion attempts. The Statesmen held the Delta Devils to 7-of-19 (36.8-percent), the Lions to 5-of-15 (33-percent) and UNA to just 2-of-12 (16 – percent) in the first three games of the season.
Chilly Red Zone for Statesmen Opponents: DSU's defense has been solid in the red zone through the first four games, allowing just nine trips inside the Statesman 20-yard line. MVSU converted two times in a 24-14 loss to DSU, while TAMUC was 2-of-3 in the 47-35 loss at AT&T Field in Arlington, Texas and only allowed the Lions of UNA to score once in their three opportunities on Sept. 21.
Morgan picking up play at OLB: Junior outside linebacker Artavious Morgan has started to be a major factor for the Statesman linebacking corps this season. The Fairburn, Ga., native has recorded 19 tackles and 6.5 tackles-for-loss through the first four games. He totaled three tackles, two tackles-for-loss, forced one fumble and recorded a sack against UNA on Sept. 21.
Camp-out in the backfield: The Statesmen defense has been basically living in the opponent's backfield this season recording 38 tackles-for-loss along with GSC leading 15 sacks through four games this season.
Lee locks down right corner: Junior cornerback Frankie Lee turned in eight tackles in DSU's 52-31 win against FIT. The Charleston, Miss., native was quite active throughout the game also recording a forced fumble and two pass breakups in the contest. The speedy right corner has 21 tackles, a forced fumble, two pass breakups and a TFL on the year.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Freshman place kicker delivering for DSU: True freshman kicker Vince Sciorrotta has shined for the Statesmen this season, making 8-of-11 field goals and 18-of-18 PATs. The Cumming, Ga., native has nailed six of his last eight field goals, including the game winner, a 31-yard bomb with 9.9 seconds remaining in the game at North Alabama.
Sciorrotta leads the Gulf South Conference with 42 points on the season, and is tops in points per game (10.5). He also leads the league in made field goals with eight.
Hunt leads GSC in Punt Returns: Junior wide receiver and punt returner Ricky Hunt enters the week leading the GSC in punt return average (19.3/pr). The East Central CC transfer has returned six punts for 116 yards this season.
Lightning in a Bottle: True freshman Michael Davison has proven to be a major talent in the return game, as the Avondale, Ariz., native is averaging 35.7 yards per kick return. He has returned three kicks for 107 yards with a long of 58 yards this season.
