CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Statesmen (4-0 overall, 1-0 GSC) finally return to Cleveland this Saturday after making the most of their season-opening four-game road trip. Delta State capped off the perfect road trip with a double overtime win over the then #6 West Florida Argonauts (2-1, 0-1). However, there's no time to celebrate for the newly ranked #25 Statesmen with the #13 Valdosta State Blazers (3-1, 1-0) coming to Parker Field at McCool Stadium. 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/42467).

This is the 41st meeting between the two teams with the last six meetings ending in Blazer wins. Last year's meeting at VSU was a convincing 55-0 win for the Blazers. The two teams have met on the gridiron every year since 1982 (except 2020 due to COVID-19) with a narrow series record of 20-19-1 belonging to the Statesmen.

Delta State stunned the Division-II world last Saturday with their double overtime win over then #6 West Florida last Saturday. The Statesmen had three players named GSC Player of the Week for offense, defense, and special teams in the thrilling win. Sophomore quarterback Patrick Shegog was 19-for-36 passing for 294 yards and three touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 14 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown. Tamos Stevenson recorded 9 solo tackles and 13 total tackles against the Argonauts. Tyler Kennedy returned four kickoffs for 178 yards (44.5 AVG) including a 96-yard return for a touchdown.

Delta State fans attending this Saturday's game against Valdosta State are highly encouraged to wear green 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: VALDOSTA STATE
• This is the 41st meeting all-time between the Statesmen and the Blazers. The teams have played every year since 1982 (except 2020 due to Covid-19) with six of the first ten meetings ending in Delta State wins (28-28 tie in 1988). Delta State still holds the advantage in the series record, but the Blazers have closed the gap with six straight wins in the series, including a 55-0 win at VSU last season.

• The Blazers opened their season with a 36-21 win at home against Keiser. VSU trailed 7-6 at the half, but outscored Keiser 30-14 in the last two quarters. Blazer senior quarterback Ivory Durham was 17-for-39 for 270 yards with one touchdown while also rushing five times for 29 yards. Senior rusher Jamar Thompkins carried the ball 19 times for 113 yards (5.9 avg) and a score.

• Valdosta State fell at home in week two to now 4-0 Virginia Union (currently ranked #20) by a score of 45-40. The Blazers out-gained Virginia Union 525-438, but gave up five rushing touchdowns, including two scoring runs of 52 and 50 yards respectively in the fourth quarter.

• The Blazers started a three-game road trip with a week three 55-7 win at Miles College. Durham was 14-for-27 for 359 passing yards with six touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with ten carries for 113 yards. Thompkins carried the ball twelve times for 103 yards and a score. Five different Blazer receivers caught touchdown passes with Davie Henderson catching two to go with 89 receiving yards. Council Allen led the VSU receivers in yardage with 106 yards and a score.

• Valdosta State needed another second half comeback to defeat Shorter (2-2, 0-1) in their first conference game last week. The Blazers trailed 17-3 at the half, but outscored the Hawks 31-13 in the last two quarters of their 34-30 win. VSU scored their go-ahead touchdown on a 13-yard run from Seth McGill with 7:41 left in regulation. The Blazer defense forced a turnover on downs on 4th-and-3 from their own 12-yard line with 41 seconds left to ice the game.


WHAT A RUSH: Delta State's victory at West Florida last Saturday makes four straight wins away from Cleveland to open the 2022 campaign for the Road Warriors. The Statesmen outscored their opponents 164-103. Seven of Delta State's eleven games this year will be on the road.

WEEKLY AWARDS: Three Statesmen earned GSC Player of the Week honors for their performances at West Florida. Offensive PotW Patrick Shegog was 19-for-36 passing for 294 yards and three touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 14 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown. Defensive PotW Tamos Stevenson recorded 9 solo tackles and 13 total tackles against the Argonauts. Special Teams PotW Tyler Kennedy returned four kickoffs for 178 yards (44.5 AVG) including a 96-yard return for a touchdown. This is the second straight week that a DSU player has earned Special Teams PotW honors.

GO GREEN: DSU fans are asked to wear green to all games except 10/15 against West Alabama, which will be 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!