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GAME NOTES: Concordia College @ Delta State University (11.9.13)
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CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Statesmen (6-2, 4-1 GSC) will play their final regularly schedule home game of the season Saturday, Nov. 9 as Concordia College (Ala.) travels to Parker Field-McCool Stadium on Senior Day. Kickoff is set for Noon. The Statesmen are riding a three-game win streak after defeating then-No. 22 Valdosta State 63-55 last week on Homecoming and are currently in a three-way tie atop the Gulf South Conference standings.
Saturday's matchup with Concordia is the first between the two schools in football. DSU and CC have previously met on the basketball court and softball field.
Prior to Saturday's kickoff, DSU will honor its seniors in football (9), band (15), cheer (8) and cross country (3). The ceremony will begin at 11:45 a.m.
Opening Drive
Three way split in the GSC: The Delta State University (6-2, 4-1 GSC) football team defeated Valdosta State University 63-55 and the University of North Alabama (6-2, 4-1 GSC) upended the University of West Alabama (6-3,4-1 GSC) last week to create a three-way tie at the top of the Gulf South Conference standings heading into the last two weeks of regular season play left on the table.
Sullivan and York receive GSC Player of the Week Honors: Freshman
Tyler Sullivan picked up his second GSC Offensive Player of the Week award after breaking another DSU record for total offense in a game. Sullivan accounted for six total touchdowns, four passing and two rushing in the victory over VSU. The Louisville, Miss. native was 34-of-48 passing for 520 yards and tallied 63 yards on the ground for 583 yards of combined offense. Sophomore
Jarvis York garnered his first GSC Special Teams Player of the Week award after making a key return against the Blazers. Valdosta threatened late in the game and closed the scoring margin to 56-48 with 1:54 remaining; VSU then lined up for an onside kick but York took the ball and raced into the end zone that stretched the Statesmen lead back out to a multiple possession game and secured the victory for DSU.
Inside the Series/Inside CC-AL: This is the first ever meeting between the two institutions of of higher learning. Concordia is led by Cameron Mayfield (#5), who sits fifth in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) in passing yards per game at 140.3, despite only playing in six contests. His 99 completions have him in the top-5 while completing a third best 53.2% of his passes. Mayfield also leads the team in rushing with 54 yards per game, also good enough for fifth in the conference.
Delta State out guns Valdosta 63-55: The Statesmen and the Blazers provided a show that amazed fans about as much as a fireworks show could do, the crowd received both on Nov. 2, as Delta State knocked off No. 22 Valdosta State on Homecoming night 63-55. Freshman
Tyler Sullivan broke the single game record for total offense with 520 yards passing and 63 yards rushing with a combined six total touchdowns. Seantavius Jones broke the GSC record for receiving touchdowns for VSU gathering in six scores himself.
Jarvis York put the Statesmen out front by two scores after taking a Blazer onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown.
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 94-of-133 passes for 1,227 yards and 10 touchdowns against three interceptions. He is sporting a 70.6 completion percentage and a QB rating of 168.4 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 leads the GSC in sacks with 5.0 and ranks ninth in TFL (8.0). Dinkins is eighth in the GSC in TFL (9.0) while racking up 3.0 sacks on the season.
Youthful Secondary Making Strides: With as many as four freshman or first-year starters, the Statesmen secondary is making tremendous strides as we enter the home stretch of the regular season. Led by redshirt sophomore
Richard Nash, who has 51 tackles, the secondary has cut down on miscues in its previous outings. True freshmen
David Evans (36 tackles) and Jereco Beckwith (25 tackles) have grown up fast since joining the lineup.
Lightning strikes three times: With one of the deepest receiving corps in the GSC, the Statesmen enter Saturday's game with three receivers ranked in the league's top 10 in receptions.
Ricky Hunt leads the GSC with 7.1 receptions per game, while
Casey Osborne, who ranks fifth in receiving yards at 600, averages 6.0 per contest.
Patrick Bethley is averaging 4.6 receptions per game and 66.5 yards.
Against the Top 25: The Statesmen are 3-1 this season against ranked opponents after last week's 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 Alabama on Saturday versus Concordia College - Alabama. The game marks the 201st meeting for the Statesman against a team from the "Yellowhammer State." The Green-and-White are 93-103-5 after the 48-14 loss against the University of West Alabama on Thursday, Oct. 3, in Livingston, Ala. DSU recorded a 37-34 victory over the University of North Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Florence, Ala. earlier in the season.
While the Sun is Still Up: Back before the invention of electricity everyone had to play the sports they loved under the sunlight. Delta State holds a 160-129-9 during the daytime and looks to extend upon that when Concordia College - Selma rolls into town.
Up Next: Delta State takes to the road for its final regular season game of the year, traveling to Carrollton, Ga. to take on the University of West Georiga on Thursday, Nov. 14, for the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. The game will determine whether the Statesmen capture a share of the Gulf South Conference title and potentially make it into the NCAA DII playoffs.
Offense
Passing Attack Strikes Again Against Valdosta: In a game that saw 95 offensive plays for the Statesmen, DSU passed for 520 yards on 48 pass attempts, with Tyler Sullivan completing 34. Ricky Hunt caught 10 passes for 206 yards and had three touchdowns. Patrick Bethley had six receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown.
Making the Money: Money plays are defined as plays resulting in first downs or touchdowns and the Statesmen have connected on 217 such plays this season. DSU has tallied 73 money plays on the ground and 137 through the air.
Casey Osborne leads the team with 30 money plays, including seven touchdowns.
Timothy Foy is second on the team with 22 followed by
Ricky Hunt (19),
Richard Freelon (17) and
Patrick Bethley.
Statesmen Bring High-Octane Passing Attack against Concordia: Delta State enters Saturday's game with Concorida leading the GSC?and ranking 4th nationally in passing at 376.0 yards per game, a full 128 yards better than second ranked Valdosta State's 234.1 yards per game. Regardless of who's been the triggerman, DSU has led the league in passing since the start of the season. The Statesmen have completed 261-of-379 passes for 3008 yards with 21 touchdowns and eleven interceptions.
450-Plus: The Statesman offense has been outstanding this season, ranking second in the GSC in total offense at 494.5 yards per game. DSU has topped the 450-yard mark in 6-of-8 games this season, including a season-high 602 yards in a 37-34 victory at North Alabama. DSU totaled 520 yards in last week's 63-55 win against Valdosta.
Hunt, Osborne & Bethley making run at GSC leader board: With one of the deepest receiving corps in the GSC, the Statesmen enter Saturday's game with three receivers ranked in the league's top 10 in receptions.
Ricky Hunt leads the GSC with 7.1 receptions per game and tops the league in receiving yards at 655, while
Casey Osborne, averages 6.0 per contest.
Patrick Bethley is averaging 4.6 receptions per game and 66.5 yards.
Freelon 18th rusher to top 1,000 yards at DSU: Despite not put- ting 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 1,180 yards and 10 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 18 career games, Bethley has caught 47 passes for 727 yards and six touchdowns. He needs 273 yards in DSU's final three games to top 1,000 this season.
Protecting the QB: The Statesman offensive line has improved greatly over the last five games, including three against 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, including one last week versus Shorter.
Red Zone Effectiveness: Delta State continues to find ways to score once reaching the red zone this season and went 4-for-5 in the 63-55 win against Valdosta. DSU is 34-for-42 (80.9%) on the year inside the zone with 23 touchdowns and 10 field goals.
Third & Fourth Down Effectiveness: DSU enters Saturday's game 63-of-137 (45.9%) on third down conversions and 11-of-18 (61.1%) on fourth down attempts.
Scoring in Bunches: The Statesmen enter Saturday's game averaging 37.9 points per game. DSU has scored 38 points in each of its last three games and has topped 30 points in 6-of-8 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 59. The Waveland, Miss., native had his second-straight 10 tackle performance in DSU's 38-17 win at Shorter. The three-year letterman has also topped the 100-career tackles plateau with 117, including 11.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.0 sacks.
Red-Zone Defense: The Statesman defense has allowed opponents inside the red zone 35 times, leading to just 25 scores (71%). DSU is currently third in the GSC in Red Zone defense, allowing opposing offense to convert on 71.4 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
Run Defense Key versus Concordia: As the Statesmen prepare to face the a team that averages 138.8 yards per game, the DSU run defense will be the key this week at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The Green-and-White feature the GSC's second rated run defense, allowing the opposition 140.1 yards per game.
The Statesmen have allowed only two 100-yard rushers all season. Reggie Hall 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 Statesman defense.?The Macon, Ga., native leads the team with 51 tackles, 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 Statesman defense since his return. The Winter Haven, Fla., native leads DSU and the GSC with 5.0 sacks and ranks ninth in TFLs with 7.0 in five games.
Warren's Way: Senior cornerback Trenton Warren has picked up his play in the last three weeks and enters the Concordia game with 38 tackles, two interceptions, 11 passes defended 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 endzone to force field goal attempts. In six games, Warren has totaled 26 tackles with an interception, nine pass breakups and 10 passes defended.
The Delivery Man: Senior defensive tackle Adrian Dinkins has picked up his deliveries to the quarterback, as the Ridgeland, Miss., native?is second on the club with 8.0 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks through seven games. He has totaled 28 tackles with a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
Statesman Secondary Playing Well: DSU's corners have played well this season and have improved at a steady pace through the first seven games. Junior Frankie Lee has tallied 27 stops with 2.0 tackles-for-loss and four pass breakups. Jeremy Davis has become the type of corner offensive coordinators stay away from. Davis has recorded 17 tackles, eight passes defended and leads the team with two interceptions.
Evans growing into safety spot: True freshman David Evans, who missed last week's game versus Tarleton State, is growing into his safety position after joining the starting lineup in week three. In just five games, the Hueytown, Ala., native has 24 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 44 career games making 150 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 39-of-39 on PATs.
Sciorrotta moves into single season scoring list: With his eight points at Shorter, true freshman kicker Vince Sciorrotta moved into No. 22 on the single-season scoring list with 60 points.
Davison leading GSC in kick returns: Michael Davison enters week seven leading 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 of last week's game 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 40.6 yards per punt. In seven games, Holt has punted 34 times for 1,382 yards including 17 kicks inside the 20-yard line. The Coldwater, Miss., native also has five kicks of 50-plus yards with a long of 61-yards this season.
Leading Scorer: Vince Sciorrotta enters week seven ranked No. 1 in scoring in the GSC with 8.6 points per game. The Cumming, Ga., has connected on 10 field goals (30 points) and 39 extra points this season for a total of 69 points in eight games.
Odds & Ends
Under the Lights: Under the Lights: Who knew Thomas Edison's invention would play such a major impact on the game of college football, but the light bulb not only changed how mankind lived, it's allowed millions of college fans to enjoy the game they love under the lights. Thursday's game at Shorter will be the 512th game all-time at night for the Statesmen. DSU is 272-235-4 in night games in program history.
November Rain: Delta State enters Saturday's game versus Concordia with a 127-118-5 record all-time in November.
Boys of October: The Statesmen are now at .500 all-time in the month of October after defeating Shorter 38-17. DSU is 165-165-12 all-time in October.
Against the Top 25: The Statesmen are 2-1 this season against ranked opponents after last week's 38-36 victory over then-No. 14 Tarleton 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.
On the Telly: Last week's game at Shorter was the 26th time in program history that Delta State will have played on television. The Statesmen are 18-8 in the previous 25 games on TV. The game is also the second this season for DSU on the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week package. 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.
