GAME NOTES: No. 19 Delta State Week 1 Release
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CLEVELAND, Mississippi - The No. 19 ranked Statesmen (0-0, 0-0 GSC) of Delta State University will open the 2014 campaign Saturday, Sept. 6 at Fort Valley State University. Kickoff is set 2 p.m. EST. The game marks the first time that the Statesmen and Wildcats have met in a season opener. Delta State and Fort Valley State have met three times previously on the gridiron with each team claiming a win at the other's stadium. DSU defeated the Wildcats 27-7 on Sept. 10, 2011 at Wildcats Stadium, but FVSU claimed the win in the last meeting in Cleveland, 31-23, back on Sept. 1, 2012.
 

STATESMEN FOOTBALL GAME DAY
Date/Location:	Sept. 6, 2014 | Wildcats Stadium | Fort Valley, Ga.
Kickoff Time:	2 p.m. EST | 1 p.m. CST
Radio:	Statesmen Sports Network | Matt Jones (PxP), Mark Williams (Color), Philip Tang (Sidelines)
Rankings:	Delta State: No. 19 - AFCA Top 25 | NR – D2Football.com Top 25 Fort Valley State: NR - AFCA Top 25 | NR – D2Football.com Top 25
Series History:	4th Meeting; FVSU leads series 2-1 | DSU 1-0 at FVSU Last Meeting: Sept. 1, 2012 – FVSU 31 at DSU 23
Coaches:	Delta State: Todd Cooley (7-3, 2nd season) Fort Valley State: Donald Pittman (29-25, 6th season)
Live Audio:	Statesmen Sports Network (Click Here)
Live Stats:	FVSU Live Stats (Click Here)
Live Video:	Not Available

GREEN-&-WHITE SPOTLIGHTS
After finishing last year 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Gulf South Conference, the Delta State University Statesmen were picked to finish second in the annual Preseason GSC Football Coaches' Poll, as released by the league office. DSU also placed a total of seven student-athletes on the Preseason All-GSC Team and four were named to league's Top Newcomers List.

When the curtain opens on the 2014 college football season, Delta State University enters the campaign ranked No. 19 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Preseason NCAA DII Top 25 Poll, as released on Monday, Aug. 18. The Statesmen were one of two Gulf South Conference schools to be ranked in the preseason poll, joined by the No. 5 Lions of the University of North Alabama. The University of West Alabama, Valdosta State University and University of West Georgia were among other schools receiving votes.

Redshirt sophomore Tyler Sullivan enters the fall as Delta State's starting quarterback after an outstanding freshman season. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound signal caller was named the GSC's Offensive Freshman of the Year after completing 130-of-201 passes for 1,764 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Ricky Hunt, a senior wide receiver from Sardis, Mississippi, was named one of eight finalists for the C-Spire Conerly Award last year. While the 5-foot-9, 175-pound speedster didn't take home the hardware, he's poised to use it as motivation this year. Last season, the East Central Community College transfer led the Statesmen and the GSC in receptions per game (6.8) after grabbing 68 passes for 840 yards and seven scores. Hunt averaged 84.0 yards per game receiving and 12.4 yards per catch.

Senior middle linebacker Rory Island, a antive of Waveland, Mississippi, has played in 25 consecutive games and 33 overall for the Statesmen in his career. During that time, Island has totaled 141 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks. As a junior last season, Island led the Statesmen with 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks en route to being named First Team All-Gulf South Conference.

Diego Lubin returns for his senior season after totaling 29 tackles and 9.5 tackles-for-loss last year. The Winter Haven, Florida native also tallied 5.0 sacks, all unassisted. The two-time All-GSC selection has recorded 79 career tackles, 23.5 tackles-for-loss (-122 yards) and 8.5 sacks at DSU.

Preseason All-Gulf South Conference linebacker Artavius Morgan made an instant mark on the league as a junior, accounting for 52 tackles (34-UA/18-A) and leading the GSC in tackles-for-loss with 11.5 for -38 yards. The Atlanta native also recorded 3.0 sacks for 19 yards and was a constant presence in the backfield of the opposition.   

A year removed from nailing 10-of-17 field goal attempts and 50-of-51 extra points, sophomore kicker Vince Sciorrotta is ready to improve on a tremendous freshman campaign. His 80 points scored last year were the most ever by a Statesman freshman.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
60: Delta State is 16-0 all-time when scoring 60-plus points in a game. In fact, the Statesmen have scored 50-plus points in a game 35 times in school history and most recently in DSU's 77-0 dismantling of Concordia College on Nov. 13, 2013 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.Delta State is also 33-2 in games scoring 50-plus points.

80: Delta State's defense zeroed in on the quarterback for 23 sacks last season leading to 153 total yards lost for the opposition. The Statesmen ranked second in the league in sacks and totaled a whopping 80 tackles-for-loss accounting for 308 yards.
 

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STATESMEN PICKED SECOND IN GSC PRESEASON POLL
After finishing last year 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Gulf South Conference, the Delta State University Statesmen were picked to finish second in the annual Preseason GSC Football Coaches' Poll, as released by the league office. DSU also placed a total of seven student-athletes on the Preseason All-GSC Team and four were named to league's Top Newcomers List.

UNA enters the year as the favorite for the first time in four years, compiling 35 total points led by five first-place votes.  Delta State recorded its highest finish since 2010, taking second-place via 30 points behind the final two first-place nods.  

Valdosta State and West Alabama followed in third (26) and fourth place (21), respectively.  Fifth-place West Georgia tallied 17 points, followed by Florida Tech (12) and Shorter (six), which enters the 2014 campaign as an official GSC member after two years as a provisional member.

Ricky Hunt (WR), Casey Osborne (WR), Cortez Hibbler (OL), Rory Island (MLB), Diego Lubin (DE), Frankie Lee (CB) and Artavius Morgan (OLB) were all named to the Preseason All-GSC Team.

DELTA STATE DEBUTS AT NO. 19 IN AFCA POLL
When the curtain opens on the 2014 college football season, Delta State University will open the campaign ranked No. 19 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Preseason NCAA DII Top 25 Poll, as released on Monday, Aug. 18. The Statesmen were one of two Gulf South Conference schools to be ranked in the preseason poll, joined by the No. 5 Lions of the University of North Alabama. The complete poll is listed below.

In all, five GSC teams were either ranked or among teams receiving votes. The University of West Alabama, Valdosta State University and the University of West Georgia all received votes, but did not crack the top 25. All four teams in the initial poll appear on DSU's schedule this fall.

Northwest Missouri State, fresh off of their fourth Division II title in 2013, opens up 2014 as the preseason favorite to win the national championship. This is the third time since the AFCA Division II Coaches' Poll started in 2000 that the Bearcats have begun the season ranked No. 1. Grand Valley State (Mich.) comes in at No. 2, followed by Minnesota-Duluth, Colorado State-Pueblo and North Alabama rounding out the Top 5.

There will be four Top 25 matchups in the first week of action, highlighted by No. 2 Grand Valley State traveling to No. 22 Azusa Pacific (Calif.) and No. 4 Colorado State-Pueblo hosting No. 11 West Texas A&M. The last two Top 25 matchups have No. 7 Minnesota State-Mankato hosting No. 15 St. Cloud State (Minn.) and No. 21 North Carolina-Pembroke traveling to No. 14 Winston-Salem State.

USA COLLEGE FOOTBAL NAMES FIVE STATESMEN TO WATCH LIST
USA College Football has awarded five Statesmen All-American honors as part of their pre-season release.  Delta State has three members on the First Team with a duo recognized as Third Team. Ricky Hunt (WR), Diego Lubin (DL), and Rory Island (LB) were each selected as First Team All-Americans.  Tyler Sullivan (QB) and Richard Nash (DB) were chosen as Third Team All-Americans. Delta State will kick off the 2014 season on September 6 at Fort Valley State from Fort Valley, Georgia in head coach Todd Cooley's second season at the helm.  Last season the Statesmen went 7-3 overall (4-2 GSC) to mark a four win improvement over the prior season.  DSU returns 17 starters from last season, including 73 lettermen.

NEW ERA AT PARKER-McCOOL
Delta State University officially began a new era at Parker Field-McCool Stadium, as director of athletics Ronnie Mayers and head football coach Todd Cooley cut the ribbon on the recently installed synthetic turf on Monday, Aug. 11. President Bill LaForge addressed the crowd of fans, alumni and community leaders prior to Cooley clipping the ribbon.

"We are thankful for the generosity of those who gave to this project and for the many fans, alumni and community leaders in attendance here today," Mayers said. "This project will help propel our program forward and will be an asset to all 13 of our intercollegiate sports."

Completed in just 39 days, the new turf at Parker Field-McCool Stadium was installed by Geo Surfaces, Inc., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Delta State is the fifth school in the Gulf South Conference to make the switch to a synthetic playing surface and the first collegiate client for Geo-Surfaces, Inc., in Mississippi. The project features Geo-Surfaces' latest synthetic surface with six-foot wide sidewalks surrounding Parker Field. A 45' x 90' synthetic field for pregame stretching and practice is also a part of the design.
 
A feature that fans will not see is Mississippi's first patented GeoFlo shock pad and drainage system. The system is design to help curtail injuries sustained from contact with the field while helping to assist drainage. The system will be the same one used by the National Football League's Pro Bowl, NFL Challenge Field and Louisiana State University's football practice field.  
 
DSU's Parker Field-McCool Stadium will feature a new picnic area located in the north end zone, new visitors side concession stand and restrooms, new men's and women's soccer locker rooms and renovated concession stands when the Statesmen open the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, Sept. 27 for Pig Pickin' versus Central State (Ohio).

GSC & ESPN REACH EXCLUSIVE DEAL
The Gulf South Conference's television package has a new home for 2014 after the league officially announced an exclusive agreement with ESPN to broadcast its GSC-TV content. The agreement marks the fourth consecutive year that the GSC and ESPN have collaborated to bring GSC-TV to fans around the globe.  ESPN3 and live access on WatchESPN will host every contest with no market protections.

Delta State will appear on the league's menu three times this season. All three dates are listed below.

DATE    DAY    GAME    TIME
Sept. 20    Sat.     Delta State at Valdosta State    7:00 ET/6:00 CT
Oct. 2    Thurs.     Delta State at Florida Tech    7:00 ET/6:00 CT
Oct. 9    Thurs.     Shorter at Delta State    7:00 ET/6:00 CT

BSN NAMES EIGHT TO PRESEASON ALL-GSC SQUAD
With Delta State University and colleges across the nation opening their seasons this week, the Statesmen recently placed eight student-athletes on the Beyond Sports Network Preseason All-Gulf South Conference Team. The BSN selections were made by its staff based on returning performers from the 2013 GSC All-Conference Football Team, game evaluations, and overall statistics. The complete team is listed below.

Led by Tyler Sullivan, who was named GSC Offensive Freshman of the Year, the Statesmen placed Ricky Hunt (WR), Casey Osborne (WR), Diego Lubin (DE), Rory Island (LB), Richard Nash (S), Frankie Lee (CB) and Vince Sciorrotta (PK) on the squad.  

WE ARE A FAMILY, NOT A FOOTBALL TEAM
The Delta State University football program is built on a simple principle, blood is thicker than water and family comes first. Our family is bigger than the coaches and players on the field. It stretches into the people in the picnic area, grand stands and homes around Delta State. Family protects family and family always stands together.

SULLIVAN READY TO BUILD OFF FRESHMAN CAMPAIGN
Redshirt sophomore Tyler Sullivan enters the fall as Delta State's starting quarterback after an outstanding freshman season. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound signal caller was named the GSC's Offensive Freshman of the Year after completing 130-of-201 passes for 1,764 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Sullivan, a native of Louisville, Mississippi, also earned a spot on the All-GSC Second Team after remarkable performances that included; a 422-yard four-touchdown show against Tarleton State University in his first start, along with his six total touchdowns and single-game school record 583 total yards of offense versus Valdosta State University.

WILLIAMS' WAY
Offensive coordinator Joel Williams holds the distinction of orchestrating three of Delta State's most prolific single season offenses. His 2003 and 2004 units, under then head coach Rick Rhoades, accounted for 458 and 443 points respectively. Last season's squad amassed 400 points for a 40.0 average per game.

SET IT AT 60 & FORGET IT
Delta State is 16-0 all-time when scoring 60-plus points in a game.
In fact, the Statesmen have scored 50-plus points in a game 35 times in school history and most recently in DSU's 77-0 dismantling of Concordia College on Nov. 13, 2013 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.

Delta State is also 33-2 in games scoring 50-plus points. West Alabama defeated the Statesmen 63-55 at Tigers Stadium in Livingston, Alabama on Oct. 23, 1993 and Central Arkansas, with current DSU head coach Todd Cooley at offensive coordinator, claimed a 55-52 win on Oct. 12, 2004 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  

HUNT LOOKS TO CHASE CONERLY TROPHY AGAIN IN 2014
Ricky Hunt, a senior wide receiver from Sardis, was named one of eight finalists for the C-Spire Conerly Award last year. While the 5-foot-9, 175-pound speedster didn't take home the hardware, he's poised to use it as motivation this year.

Last season, the East Central Community College transfer led the Statesmen and the GSC in receptions per game (6.8) after grabbing 68 passes for 840 yards and seven scores. Hunt averaged 84.0 yards per game receiving and 12.4 yards per catch.

AIR IT OUT
Delta State finished the 2013 season ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in the GSC in passing yards per game (358.6). Both Ricky Hunt (84.0) and Casey Osborne (83.0) closed the year ranked in the top 50 in receiving yards per game and receptions per game. Tyler Sullivan averaged 252.0 yards, while Travis Champion contributed 167.0 per game.

OSBORNE SET TO TAKE FLIGHT
Junior wide out Casey Osborne exploded onto the scene a year ago for the Statesmen, catching 64 passes for 830 yards and eight touchdowns. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native averaged 6.4 receptions and 83.0 yards per game for the Statesmen a year ago. Those numbers, plus the physical maturation of the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Osborne, have the makings for a great year.

GIBBS & HIBBLER TO ANCHOR OFFENSIVE LINE
Senior right guard Michael Gibbs (6-3/285) and senior right tackle Cor'tez Hibbler (6-4/290) both return to anchor a Statesman offensive line that ranked second in the GSC in fewest sacks allowed. The duo helped  DSU roll up 40.0 points per game and 470.2 yards of offense.  

Gibbs and Hibbler have a combined 20 consecutive starts on coach Joel Williams' offensive line.

ISLAND READY TO ANCHOR DEFENSE IN 2014
Senior middle linebacker Rory Island, a antive of Waveland, Mississippi, has played in 25 consecutive games and 33 overall for the Statesmen in his career. During that time, Island has totaled 141 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks. As a junior last season, island led the Statesmen with 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks en route to being named First Team All-Gulf South Conference.

MORGAN'S MARK
Preseason All-Gulf South Conference linebacker Artavius Morgan made an instant mark on the league as a junior, accounting for 52 tackles (34-UA/18-A) and leading the GSC in tackles-for-loss with 11.5 for -38 yards. The Atlanta, Georgia native also recorded 3.0 sacks for 19 yards and was a constant presence in the backfield of the opposition.   

LUBIN LAND
Diego Lubin returns for his senior season after totaling 29 tackles and 9.5 tackles-for-loss last year. The Winter Haven, Florida native also tallied 5.0 sacks, all unassisted. The two-time All-GSC selection has recorded 79 career tackles, 23.5 tackles-for-loss (-122 yards) and 8.5 sacks at DSU.   

LOCKDOWN CORNER
Senior corner Frankie Lee proved to be one of the GSC's top defensive backs a year ago. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound speedster led the Statesmen and was tied for the league lead with four interceptions, including a school-record tying three pickoffs at West Georgia on Nov. 14 in Carrollton.The Charleston native finished 2013 with 33 tackles, including 25 solo tackles and 2.0 tackles-for-loss.

NASH'S NEIGHBORHOOD
Despite being hampered for part of the season, safety Richard Nash turned in All-GSC First Team numbers in 2013 thanks to his heads up play. The 5-foot-9 speedster recorded 54 tackles, including 33 solo stops, and 2.0 tackles-for-loss. Opposing offensive coordinators always kept Nash in their sights, as the Macon, Georgia native recorded one interception and six passes defended a year ago.

DEFENSIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT
One year removed from a remarkable defensive turnaround, defensive coordinator Charles Anthony has a full roster of young defenders ready to make their mark for the Statesmen in 2014. Jereco Beckwith (DB) and Wilson Curtis (S) are two youngsters expected to turn up their production. Beckwith finished with 39 tackles last year while Wilson added 13. Romelo Wilson (CB), Dekoven Ware (LB), Latrell Peterson (DE), Landry Tullo (LB) and Jaques Gholston (DE) are all primed to go off this season.

BALL HAWKS
The Statesmen secondary finished second in the Gulf South Conference last season with 15 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Frankie Lee tied the DSU single game record with three picks at UWG and led the team and was tied for the team lead with four overall.

PUTTING THE OPPOSITION IN REVERSE
Delta State's defense zeroed in on the quarterback for 23 sacks last season leading to 153 total yards lost for the opposition. The Statesmen ranked second in the league in sacks and totaled a whopping 80 tackles-for-loss accounting for 308 lost yards.

SCIORROTTA'S SHOE
A year removed from nailing 10-of-17 field goal attempts and 50-of-51 extra points, sophomore kicker Vince Sciorrotta is ready to improve on a tremendous freshman campaign. His 80 points scored last year were the most ever by a Statesman freshman. The 5-foot-8 left-footed kicker made an immediate impact on the team, booting a 31-yard game-winning field goal with nine seconds remaining in the contest to boost Delta State past North Alabama 37-34 at Braly Municpal Stadium. Sciorrotta repeated the feat four weeks later, as the Atlanta, Georgia native knocked home a 33-yard game winner with seven seconds left against No. 14 Tarleton State in a 38-36 DSU victory at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.

SOLID PUNTING
Senior Justin Holt returns to handle the punting chores for the Statesmen this season. As a junior, Holt punted 42 times for 1,691 yards. His 40.3 yards per punt average finished second in the GSC. Holt downed 20 punts inside the 20-yard line and six kicks topping 50+ yards.

KICKOFF SPECIALIST
Mark Moore, a 5-foot-10 junior from Hattiesburg, has joined the Statesmen this season and will handle kickoff duties. The left-footed kicker transferred to DSU from Pearl River Community College.

RETURN GAME
Senior wide receiver Ricky Hunt will once again handle punt return duties for the Statesmen. The 5-foot-8 speedster led the GSC in average per punt return last year after averaging 15.8 per attempt. The Sardis native returned 14 punts for 221 yards with a long of 72 yards.

KICK RETURN BY COMMITTEE
The Statesmen will enter the season with a bevy of players capable of returning kickoffs. Senior Ricky Hunt, who also handles punt returns, is slated to be one of the top contenders for the spot. Running back D'Juan Bellaire, and  wide receivers Jarvis York and Jerome Stewart are also expected to see some time at the position.

LAST CLEAN SHEET
The Statesmen blanked the Hornets of Concordia College of Selma, Alabama, 77-0 on Nov. 9, 2013 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Prior to last year's game, DSU had not shutout an opponent since defeating Arkansas-Monticello, 53-0, on Nov. 11, 2006.

LAST TIME STATESMEN WERE SHUTOUT
It's been 12 seasons since Delta State suffered its last shutout. Then No. 1 Valdosta State defeated the Statesmen 42-0 back on Sept. 1, 2002 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, Ga.

CHADWICK'S VAUNTED 1954 DEFENSE
Coach Gene Chadwick's 1954 undefeated Statesmen squad still holds the school record for the fewest points allowed in a season. DSU went 8-0 that year, scoring 261 points and allowing a meager 36.

40 YEARS IN DIVISION II
The Statesmen are set to play their 40th season in NCAA Division II. Delta State, which claimed the 2000 NCAA DII National Championship, made the transition from NCAA Small College Division to Division II following the 1973 season.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE LEGACY
The Statesmen hold a key part in the formation of the Gulf South Conference. Following the 1972 season, Delta State University alongside the University of North Alabama and University of West Alabama help cast votes to create one of NCAA Division II's most successful conferences.

Prior to joining the GSC, Delta State had been a member of several conferences, but never for long periods of time.

YEAR             CONFERENCE
1926-1927      Independent
1928-1934      Mississippi Valley Conference
1935-1937      Independent
1938-1941      Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
1942-1969      Independent
1970-1971      Mid-South Athletic Conference
1972-Pres.      Gulf South Conference

BRINGING BACK THE BELL
Delta State and Mississippi College will renew one of the state's great gridiron rivalries this season on Nov. 15, 2014 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium, as the two schools once again battle for the "Heritage Bell."

The Statesmen defeated the Choctaws 14-0 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium on Nov. 11, 1995 in the last meeting between the schools. DSU is 17-15-2 all-time against MC and currently holds a two game winning streak in the series.