CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Statesmen (6-0 overall, 3-0 GSC) are back in Cleveland this Saturday another successful road trip to North Greenville a week ago. It can be easy to lose focus with five road trips in the first six weeks of the season, but the Statesmen seem revitalized by the prospect of playing in front of their fans against the tough West Alabama Tigers (4-2, 2-1). Michael Gross will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network. Delta State will also broadcast home football games on FloSports (https://www.flofootball.com/live/42471).

Delta State's win at North Greenville (2-4, 1-2) a week ago saw the Statesmen defense come to life as the game went on. The Statesmen shut the Crusaders out in the second half, allowing the offense enough chances to overcome their first deficit of the season in the 47-14 win. Four extra DSU offensive chances were created by interceptions, two of which came from GSC Defensive Player of the Week Tyrell Goldsmith. DSU quarterback Patrick Shegog was 18-for-29 passing for 259 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while also recording a rushing touchdown.

Delta State fans attending this Saturday's game against West Alabama are highly encouraged to WEAR PINK and to purchase their tickets before the day of the game online. Visit https://deltastatetickets.universitytickets.com/ to purchase in advance or visit the ticket booths next to gates 3 or 4 on the west side or gate 14 on the east side on game day.


SERIES NOTEBOOK: WEST ALABAMA
• This is the 68th meeting all-time between the Statesmen and the Tigers. The teams have played every year since 1968 (except 2020 due to Covid-19), but they also played thirteen times prior, with the first meeting coming in 1940 (0-0 Tie). The Statesmen own the series record at 36-28-3 and have won the last two meetings, but the 2019 DSU win snapped what was a five-game winning streak for the Tigers. Delta State also seems to play the Tigers better in Cleveland, owning a 22-12-1 home record against UWA vs a 13-16-2 record in Livingston, Alabama.

• The Tigers opened their season with a two-game winning streak with a 24-16 win at Morehouse College and a 31-0 win at Miles College. UWA quarterback Tucker Melton passed for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win against Miles.

• West Alabama then played three-straight home games, beginning with a 13-10 nonconference loss to Tuskegee University. Tuskegee held the Tigers to just 230 yards of total offense while owning the time of possession at 41:39 compared to just 18:21 for UWA. Tucker was 18-for-44 passing for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

• GSC play began the following week for the Tigers when they hosted then-8th-ranked West Georgia (currently #25). The West Georgia Wolves only allowed one touchdown in their 22-7 win, outgaining the Tigers 361-259 in total yardage. Tucker was 14-for-28 passing for 136 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Bry Webb led the Tigers in rushing with 74 yards on ten carries.

• The Tigers have since reeled off two-straight GSC wins with a 37-14 win against Shorter and a 34-31 road win last week at Valdosta State. Jake Corkren took over at quarterback for the Tigers against Shorter, completing 11 of his 28 attempts for 80 yards, but Tucker returned against Valdosta State, where he went 14-for-31 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. However, the true story offensively for the Tigers was their rediscovered running game. The same West Alabama offense that had only rushed for more than 100 yards as a team twice in their first four games has since recorded 300+ rushing yards in their last two games. The Tigers had three rushers with over 80 yards in their 338-yard showing against Shorter, led by Webb with 164 yards and two touchdowns. UWA rushed for 387 yards last week at Valdosta State, led by Demetrius Battle with 17 carries for 114 yards and a score. Webb also rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown, followed by quarterback Melton Tucker with 81 yards on six carries.


STRENGTH AGAINST STRENGTH: Saturday's game will feature the top offense in the GSC going against the top defense in the conference. Delta State has the top scoring offense in the GSC at 46.8 points per game and third in all of DII in total offense at 497.5 yards per game. West Alabama has the stingiest defense in the GSC, allowing only 16 points per game this season, while ranking 22nd in all of DII in total defense, allowing just 283 yards per game.

WEEKLY AWARDS: Tyrell Goldsmith was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance last week at NGU. His award makes six GSC PotW honors for the Statesmen this season, all of which have come over the last four weeks of play.

PERFECT 10: Delta State's win at North Greenville propelled the Statesmen to the #10 spot in the AFCA Top 25 poll. Delta State joins the top 10 after winning five of their first six games of the 2022 season on the road.

PIN 'EM DEEP: DSU kicker Parker Burleson leads all of Division II with 24 touchbacks on kickoff attempts. The next closest team to the Statesmen is Wingate with 20.

PINK OUT: DSU fans are asked to wear green to all games except 10/15 against West Alabama, which is a Pink Out. Get your official game day gear at www.StatesmenStore.com!

WHAT TO BRING: Only clear bags are permitted in McCool Stadium. Delta State logoed bags will be available for purchase between gates 4 and 5; pouches are $10 and totes are $15. No outside food/drink, no non-service animals, and no weapons are permitted.

TICKETS:  Visit https://deltastatetickets.universitytickets.com/ to purchase in advance or visit the ticket booths next to gates 3 or 4 on the west side, or gate 14 on the east side on game day.

GETTING THERE: Kickoff is at 6 pm. Gates open one hour pregame. As of 5 pm Friday, all Stadium Lots (1-7) are designated parking and can only be accessed with the appropriate placard. A limited number of Lot 6 parking spots will be available beginning three hours before kick-off Saturday for $15, or $10 in advance at https://deltastatetickets.universitytickets.com/. Additional parking will be available at Shumate Park, Walter Sillers Coliseum, Kent Wyatt Hall, and across MS Highway 8 on campus. Delta State student parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the grass lot next to Lot 1 for vehicles with current Resident or Commuter parking decals. All game-day traffic should enter via Statesman Boulevard.

TAILGATING: Register for FREE tailgating in Statesmen Park at https://forms.office.com/r/N87YW2dzPW.

FOOD AND DRINK: Concessions will be available on both the west and east sides of McCool stadium. Beer and wine will be available at kiosks on the west, north, and east concourses.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Kids can join the Statesmen Football team as they take the field at 10-minutes on the game clock. The Punkin' Patch KidsZone will open one hour before kickoff; admission is $10 but Future Statesmen Club members get into the KidsZone free so join today at www.StatesmenClub.com.

STAY IN THE KNOW: You can listen or watch along! Visit www.GoStatesmen.com > Sports > Football > Schedule and click the speaker (Magic 107.5) or screen (FloSports) and follow the prompts. Download the Statesmen Nation app where you can listen to or stream the event, see rosters and stats, receive notifications about promotions and partnerships, and much more!