CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Statesmen (3-0 overall, 0-0 GSC) of Delta State University are on the road this Saturday for the final game of their season-opening four-game road trip. The Statesmen also begin Gulf South Conference play against the highest ranked team in the conference to this point of the season, the #6 West Florida Argonauts (2-0, 0-0). Michael Gross will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network. West Florida will also broadcast their games on FloSports (https://www.flofootball.com/live/42457).

This is the sixth meeting between the two teams with the last three meetings belonging to the Argonauts. Last year's meeting at Delta State saw West Florida outscore the Statesmen 29-3 in the second half of their 39-33 win. The Statesmen will be playing at UWF's on-campus Pen Air Field for the first time, playing the two previous road meetings at Pensacola's Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Delta State defeated FCS rival Mississippi Valley State last Saturday in Itta Bena, MS. Statesmen kicker Nick Herber was named GSC Special Teams Player of the Week for his 4-for-4 showing on field goal attempts. Sophomore quarterback Patrick Shegog was 21-for-31 for 246 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while also leading the team in rushing with 62 yards and a rushing touchdown. The Statesmen defense kept the Delta Devils off the scoreboard in the first half and combined for six sacks.

Delta State fans attending the games are highly encouraged to purchase their tickets before the day of the game online. Use https://bit.ly/3ds56ou to access the West Florida ticket website and use the code "Statesmen" when purchasing tickets.


SERIES NOTEBOOK: WEST FLORIDA
• This is the sixth meeting all-time between the Statesmen and the Argonauts. The teams have played every year since 2016 (except 2020 due to Covid-19) with the first two meetings ending in Delta State wins. The Argonauts have since reeled off three straight wins in the series, including a 2019 season where the Argonauts finished as National Champions.

• The Argonauts opened their season with a convincing 52-3 win at home against Warner. West Florida led 45-0 at halftime and out-gained Warner 420-144 in total yardage. Argonaut junior quarterback Peewee Jarrett was 12-for-20 for 246 yards with four touchdowns while also rushing three times for 21 yards.

• West Florida traveled to Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, MO for their Week 2 game. The Argonauts defeated the now 1-1 Bearcats by a score of 49-10. Jarrett only passed the ball eleven times, but completed seven of them for 189 yards and two touchdowns. UWF junior rusher Shomari Mason carried the ball 12 times for 103 yards and two scores against the Bearcats.

• The previous meeting a season ago saw West Florida out-score the Statesmen 29-3 in the second half to win 39-33 at Parker Field at McCool Stadium.



ROAD WARRIORS: Delta State's victory at MVSU last Saturday makes three straight wins on the road to open the 2022 campaign. The Statesmen end the four-game road trip on Saturday at West Florida. Seven of Delta State's eleven games this year will be on the road. The first DSU home game is the annual Pig Pickin' game on Oct. 1 against Valdosta State at Parker Field at McCool Stadium.

DUAL-THREAT: Statesmen quarterback Patrick Shegog was deadly with his arms and legs on Saturday against the Delta Devils. The sophomore passed for 246 yards and a touchdown, while also using his foot speed to rush for 62 yards and evade would-be sackers.

FEET, DON'T FAIL ME NOW: Nick Herber was named the GSC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance at MVSU. Herber was 4-for-4 in his 22, 25, 26, and 32 yard field goal attempts. The sophomore also nailed both of his extra points.

GUARD DOGS: Every special teams unit for the Statesmen has a nickname for the players to rally around as they take the field. The Guard Dogs (punt team) have held their opponents to an average of less than 3 yards per punt return in each of the three games to start the season thus far.

50-WIN CLUB: Tenth-year head coach Todd Cooley improved to 51-38 at Delta State overall in his coaching career with last Saturday's win at MVSU. Cooley is only the third coach in DSU history to reach the 50-win mark.