GAME WEEK VIDEO: UWG Game Week Chat with Coach Cooley
FB GAME NOTES: Delta State University at University of West Georgia (11.14.13)
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CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University (7-2, 4-1 GSC) football team is looking for its share of the Gulf South Conference title this week, as the Statesmen travel to University Stadium in Carrollton, Ga., to face the University of West Georgia Wolves (5-5, 2-3 GSC) in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. CST. Delta State is seeking to claim its seventh league championship in program history. A victory by the Statesmen would give Delta State a share of its fifth league title in seven years and the first in coach
Todd Cooley's tenure. The Green-and-White captured GSC titles in 1998, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
In one of the more exciting series between GSC foes, Delta State and West Georgia will meet on the gridiron for the 27th time this Thursday, Nov. 14 at Ray-Lin Field at University Stadium. The Statesmen own an 18-8 edge in the series standings, but the Wolves claimed the last matchup played at University Stadium 39-35, a game immortalized in a comemorative t-shirt sold at the UWG Bookstore. DSU claimed a 33-24 win over UWG in last season's game at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
OPENING DRIVE
What a Year Makes: A year ago, DSU finished the season 3-7 and it seemed that the program's future might be in jeopardy after hiring a third coach in as many seasons. In steps coach
Todd Cooley and with one game remaining in the regular season, Delta State enters its final regular season game of 2013 with a shot at a share of the Gulf South Conference title. Sitting at 7-2 overall and 4-1 in league play, the Statesmen need to win out for a chance to play in the NCAA Division II Football Championship Playoffs.
Preaching his message that every DSU player is part of the "Family," the team has bought in and has grown up fast thanks to a mix a newcomers and veteran leadership. With one of the nation's top passing attacks, the Statesmen are averaging 34.7 points and 470.6 yards per game heading into conference finale against West Georgia.
A victory by the Statesmen would give Delta State a share of its fifth league title in seven years and the first in coach
Todd Cooley's tenure. The Green-and-White captured GSC titles in 1998, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
Postseason Race Murky: With a week remaining in the regular season, the NCAA South Region playoff picture is as murky as muddy water. The Statesmen (7-2) will be watching several scoreboards across the country, as Delta State hopes to return to the NCAA Division II playoffs. This week's games of interest include: Lenoir Rhyne (9-1, 6-0 SAC) at Catawba (6-4, 3-3 SAC); Newberry (8-2, 5-2 SAC) vs. North Greenville (5-5); Carson Newman (8-2, 4-2 SAC) at Wingate (4-5, 3-3 SAC); UNC-Pembroke (8-1) vs. Virginia-Lynchburg (1-1); North Alabama (7-2) at Tarleton State (7-3); Miles (6-3) vs. Albany State (5-4) - SIAC Championship.
Last Time Out: Statesmen Swat Hornets 77-0
The Delta State University football team scored the second most points in school history Saturday, Nov. 9 on Senior Day, as the Statesmen (7-2) rolled to a 77-0 victory over Concordia College in front of a crowd of 3,123 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
The 77 points were the most scored by the Statesmen since Delta State's 84-0 victory over Illinois-Chicago in 1969 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The victory also kept the Statesmen perfect at home on the season at 4-0.
Prior to the game, Delta State Athletics honored its seniors in band, cheer and football. The senior Statesmen football players included:
Kenny Barnes (SS),
Marshall Burgin (LB),
Adrian Dinkins (DE),
Reed Falkner (TE),
Richard Freelon (RB),
Dominique Hersey (C), Andre Luscious (LG),
Fred Marshall (FS),
Trenton Warren (CB) and student-assistant coach
Jasper Williams.
Delta State finished the game with 387 yards on 48 plays, including 196 yards rushing and 191 yards passing. Concordia had 142 yards on 57 plays, including 127 through the air. The Hornets rushed for a mere 17 yards on 29 carries.
McArthur led the Statesmen on the ground with 77 yards on 11 carries, including a touchdown. Bellaire finished with 60 yards and two scores on six rushes, while Foy had 36 yards and Davison 12.
Defensively, the Statesmen were led by Barnes with six tackles and one tackle-for-loss.
Wilson Curtis, Jereco Beckwith and Dekovan Ware had five stops each.
Marshall Burgin had two tackles, but picked off one pass and blocked in punt in his final game at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
Against the Top 25: The Statesmen are 3-1 this season against ranked opponents after a 63-55 victory over then-No. 22 Valdosta State. DSU defeated No. 21 North Alabama 37-34 on Sept. 21 at Braly Municipal Stadium. The lone loss came at No. 12 West Alabama, a 48-14 defeat at Tiger Stadium in Livingston, Ala.
Against the States: The Statesmen are playing their third of three opponents from the state of Georgia on Thursday at University Stadium versus the Wolves. The Statesmen are 38-22-1 previous against the "Peach State," including wins this season at Shorter (38-17) and 63-55 over then-No. 22 Valdosta State.
On the Telly: The Green-and-White will close out the regular season on the GSC's weekly event Thursday, Nov. 14 at the University of West Georgia, the 27th time in program history that Delta State will have played on television. The Statesmen are 18-8 in the previous 26 games on TV. The game is also the third this season for DSU on the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week.
Sullivan leading the show as freshman: Redshirt freshman quarterback
Tyler Sullivan continues to play well for coach
Todd Cooley. The Louisville, Miss., native has completed 101-of-146 passes for 1,405 yards and 13 touchdowns against three interceptions, while rushing for 143 yards and three scores. He is sporting a 69.2 completion percentage and a QB rating of 175.3 overall. Sullivan set freshman marks for completions (33), yards passing (422) and touchdowns thrown (4) in a 38-36 come-back victory over then-No. 14 Tarleton State.
Heavy 1-2 Punch: The Statesmen defense is sporting a heavy 1-2 punch on the line this season in defensive ends
Adrian Dinkins and junior
Diego Lubin, who rank among the GSC's leader in tackles-for-loss and sacks. Lubin is second in the GSC in sacks with 5.0 and ranks sixth in TFL (9.0). Dinkins is eighth in the GSC in TFL (9.0) while racking up 3.0 sacks on the season.
Lightning strikes three times: With one of the deepest receiving corps in the GSC, the Statesmen enter Thursday's game with three receivers ranked in the league's top 10 in receptions.
Ricky Hunt is second in the GSC with 6.4 receptions per game, while
Casey Osborne, who ranks third in receiving yards at 715, averages 5.9 per contest.
Patrick Bethley is averaging 4.1 receptions per game and 59.1 yards.
By the Numbers: The Statesman passing attack has returned to the tops of the GSC rankings and fifth nationally, as DSU enters this week averaging 355.4 yards per game through the air. DSU ranks second in total offense (482.6) and scoring offense (42.2), while holding down fourth in total defense (369.6). The Statesmen feature the league's second rated run defense, allowing just 126.4 yards per game.
Sciorrottoa Leading GSC in scoring: True freshman kicker
Vince Sciorrotta enters the final week of the regular season leading the Gulf South Conference in scoring with 8.7 points per game. The Cumming, Ga., native is 10-of-16 this season on field goals, including three ganme-winning kicks, and 48-of-48 on point after attempts this season.
Up Next: Delta State will await its NCAA DII playoff fate. The NCAA will announce the field of 24 teams for the Division II Football Championship Playoff on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. The selection show will air live on the NCAA's official website, NCAA.com.
FACE THE FOE: INSIDE LOOK AT WEST GEORGIA
Last Stand for Coach Dickey: It was announced in August that head coach Daryl Dickey would step down as head coach after the season and focus solely on his role as athletic director. Dickey is wrapping up a six year run at the Carrollton, Ga., school with a record of 18-42 (.300).
Wolves on the run: Quan Jones (139-yards versus Miles; 136-yards versus Florida Tech) and Seth Hinsley (134-yards versus Shorter) have three of the top-10 single game performances in the Gulf South Conference this season. Jones has a third game over the century mark when he ran for 114-yards versus Mars Hill. Sophomore quarterback Dallas Dickey also has a triple digit game on the ground when he ran for 117-yards versus Valdosta State. West Georgia has the GSC's second rated ground attack with 224.6 Yards/G.
Two-headed passing attack: The Wolves utilize a pair of QB's to run the offense, as Austin Trainor (81.0)and Dickey (80.6) sit as the GSC's seventh and eighth rated passers for Yards/G. The QB duo has the Wolves sitting sixth in the conference in passing attack.
No fly zone: The West Georgia defense is giving up a conference best 158.6 Yards/G in the air, a contrast to the 355.4 Yards/G that Delta State averages. The Wolves have picked off 10 passes by the opposition and have only given up 150 completions through 10 games.
Special returns: Denarius Appling is back after missing last season for the Wolves. An All-American return specialist, Appling recorded his fifth career punt return for a score with a 68-yard return versus Point. Appling has also been incorporated into the offense with 10 receptions for 205-yards with another four scores.
Adams leads the defense: Junior linebacker Tyrell Adams is the top tackler for the Wolves, with 74 stops on the team - 30 more than his next closest teammate. Adams sits 11th in the GSC with 7.4 Tackles/G. On the season, the Atlanta, Ga. native has added 13 tackles for loss while adding one sack, one interception and a forced fumble. The tackles behind the line lead the GSC, with DSU's
Artavius Morgan right behind him with 10.5.
Trio of sack specialists: The Wolves have three players atop the team lead for sacks this season, all with 2.5; Nathan Teeter, Clay Horton, and Thomas Dover
Freshman anchoring the secondary: Marcus Sayles has quickly risen to the top of the depth chart at corner back, sitting fifth in the conference with nine passes defended; six pass break-ups and three interceptions. His interception mark puts him in a four-way tie for third in the GSC. Sayles has also been able to add 16 tackles on the season and a pair of punt returns for 20 yards.
OFFENSE
Making the Money: Money plays are defined as plays resulting in first downs or touchdowns and the Statesmen have connected on 236 such plays this season. DSU has tallied 91 money plays on the ground and 145 through the air.
Casey Osborne leads the team with 36 money plays, including eight touchdowns. Timothy Foy is close second on the team with 27 followed by Ricky Hunt (26), Patrick Bethley (20), and Richard Freelon (18).
Statesmen Bring High-Octane Passing Attack To West Georgia: Delta State enters Thursday's game with UWG leading the GSC and ranking 5th nationally in passing at 355.4 yards per game, a full 102.4 yards better than second ranked Valdosta State's 253.0 yards per game. Regardless of who's been the trigger man, DSU has led the league in passing since the start of the season. The Statesmen have completed 269-of-395 passes for 3,199 yards with 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
450-Plus: The Statesmen offense has been outstanding this season, ranking second in the GSC in total offense at 482.6 yards per game. DSU has topped the 450-yard mark in 7-of-9 games this season including a season-high 602 yards in a 37-34 victory at North Alabama. DSU totaled 520 yards in the victory over Valdosta State 63-55.
Hunt, Osborne and Bethley Making a Run at GSC Leader Board: With one of the deepest receiving corps in the GSC, the Statesmen enter Thursday's game with three receivers ranked in the league's top 10 in receptions. Ricky Hunt ranks second in the GSC with 6.4 receptions per game and fifth in receiving yards at 684, while Casey Osborne averages 5.9 per contest and ranks third in yards with 715. Patrick Bethley is averaging 4.1 receptions per game and 59.1 yards.
Freelon 18th Rusher to Top 1,000 Yards at DSU: Despite not putting up eye-popping totals this season, senior running back Richard Freelon became the 18th back in DSU history to top 1,000 career yards versus North Alabama on Sept. 21. The three-year letterman has rushed for 1,213 yards and 12 career touchdowns.
Bethley Chasing 1,000 Yards: Sophomore wide receiver Patrick Bethley has developed into a big play weapon this year for coach Todd Cooley. The New Orleans, La. Native is approaching 1,000 career receiving yards. In 19 career games, Bethley has caught 53 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. He needs 193 yards against West Georgia to top the 1,000 mark this season.
Protecting the QB: The Statesman offensive line has improved greatly over the last six games, including three ranked opponents. DSU has surrendered 17 sacks this season, including a season-high in week two versus Texas A&M – Commerce. Since that game, the O-line has allowed just seven sacks.
Red Zone Effectiveness: Delta State continues to find ways to score once reaching the red zone this and went 7-of-8 in the 77-0 win over Concordia College – Ala. DSU is 41-of-50 (82.0%) on the year inside the red zone with 31 touchdowns and 10 field goals.
Third & Fourth Down Effectiveness: DSU enters Saturday's game 65-of-142 (46.0%) on third down conversions and 12-of-19 (63.0%) on fourth down attempts.
Scoring in Bunches: The Statesmen enter Thursday's game averaging 42.2 points per game. DSU has scored at least 38 points in each of its last four games and has topped 30 points in 7-of-9 games this year.
DEFENSE
Island Stopper: Junior linebacker Rory Island, a 2012 All-GSC selection, is playing even better this season, leading DSU in tackles with 63. The Waveland, Miss., native has had two 10 plus tackle performances on the year. The three-year letterman has also topped the 100-career tackles plateau with 128, including 13.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks.
Red-Zone Defense: The Statesmen defense has allowed opponents inside the red zone 36 times, leading to just 25 scores (69.0%). DSU currently leads the GSC in Red Zone defense, allowing opposing offenses to convert on 69.4 percent inside the 20-yard line.
Run Defense Key Versus West Georgia: As the Statesmen prepare to face a team that averages 224.6 yards per game, the DSU run defense will be the key this week on the road against UWG. The Green-and-White feature the GSC's second rated run defense allowing the opposition 126.4 yards per game.
The Statesmen have allowed only two 100-yard rushers all season. Reggie Hal rushed for 123 for West Alabama, while Florida Tech's Trevor Sand had 109 yards in a 52-31 DSU victory.
Roving All Over: Redshirt sophomore rover Richard Nash has turned into a tremendous leader on the field for the Statesmen defense. The Macon, Ga., ranks second on the team in tackles with 51, including a game-high 14 stops versus No. 14 Tarleton State. Nash has also accumulated 2.0 tackles-for-loss, an interception and five total passes defended. 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 has made a major impact for the Statesmen defense since his return. The Winter Haven, Fla., native leads DSU and ranks second in the GSC with 5.0 sacks and ranks sixth in TFLs with 9.0 through eight games.
Warren's Way: Senior cornerback Trenton Warren has picked up his play in the last three weeks and enters the West Georgia game with 38 tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. The senior a week earlier had his way with the Texans receiving corps, as the preseason All-GSC selection recorded 12 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups in DSU's 38-36 win over previously unbeaten Tarleton State. On two key plays in the game, the Baytown, Texas native broke up TSU passes in the end zone to force field goal attempts.
The Delivery Man: Senior defensive end Adrian Dinkins has picked up his deliveries to the quarterback, as the Ridgland, Miss., native is third on the club with 8.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks through nine games. He has totaled 29 tackles with a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
Statesmen Secondary Playing Well: DSU's corners have played well this season and have improved at a steady pace through the first nine games. Junior Frankie Lee has tallied 31 stops with 2.0 tackles-for-loss and two pass breakups. Jeremy Davis has become the type of corner offensive coordinators stay away from. Davis has recorded 20 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions.
Evans Growing Into Safety Spot: True freshman David Evans is growing into his safety position after joining the starting lineup in week three. In just six games, the Hueytown, Ala., native has 37 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and has forced and recovered a fumble.
Barnes Tops 150 Tackles: Senior safety Kenny Barnes topped the 150 career tackles mark with one tackle in DSU's 38-17 win at Shorter. The four-year letter winner and Madison, Miss., native has played in 45 career games making 156 stops.
SPECIAL TEAMS
No Pressure: Vince Sciorrotta, a true freshman from Cumming, Ga., has handled his starting position in a special way this season. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound lefty has nailed 10-of-15 field goals, including two game-winning kicks in his first collegiate season. He is also 48-of-48 on PATs.
Sciorrotta moves into single season scoring list: With his eight points at Shorter, true freshman kicker
Vince Sciorrotta moved into No. 12 on the single-season scoring list with 78 points.
Davison Near The Top of GSC In Kick Returns: Michael Davison enters the final week of regular season play ranked second the GSC in kick returns with 455 yards on 20 attempts. His 22.8 yards per return average is also tops in the league. His 25-yard return on the final drive versus Tarleton State set the Statesmen up at the 45-yard line for what proved to be the game-winning possession in a 38-36 DSU victory.
Holt delivers in punter role: Junior punter
Justin Holt has played exceptionally well for the Statesmen this season, averaging 40.5 yards per punt. In nine games, Holt has punted 36 times for 1,457 yards including 19 kicks inside the 20-yard line. The Coldwater, Miss., native also has six kicks of 50-plus yards with a long of 61-yards this season.
Leading Scorer: Vince Sciorrotta enters week seven ranked tied No. 1 in scoring in the GSC with 8.7 points per game. The Cumming, Ga., has connected on 10 field goals (30 points) and 48 extra points this season for a total of 78 points in nine games.
