CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State football returns to action following a eleven-win 2022 campaign. The Statesmen will once again open their season on the road after an impressive seven-win road record a year ago. Michael Gross will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network. Missouri S&T will also broadcast home games on the GLVC Sports Network.

The Statesmen were picked first in the GSC coaches poll this offseason after winning their eighth GSC conference championship. Thursday's season-opener in Rolla, Missouri brings much anticipation to a hungry Statesmen football team according to head coach Todd Cooley.

"Thursday night we get a chance to hopefully live up to the recognition that's been bestowed to us," said Cooley. "This team is ready to compete against someone else. We love the opportunity to go on the road and represent this great university."

Kickoff between the Delta State Statesmen and the Missouri S&T Miners is scheduled for Thursday, August 31 at 6:00 pm.



SERIES NOTEBOOK: MISSOURI S&T
• This is the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Statesmen and the Miners. Missouri S&T completed their 2022 season with a 3-7 overall record, including a 2-4 record in Division II's Great Lakes Valley Conference.

• The Miners ran a balanced offense in 2022, averaging 136.6 passing and 131.3 rushing yards per game. Leading rusher Cameren Smith returns after being named 2022 GLVC Freshman of the Year with 819 yards and 8 touchdowns.

• 2022 started with a 43-20 loss at home to South Dakota Mines. The Miners picked up their first win of the season the falling week in a 17-14 overtime win at Drake. They then closed out their nonconference schedule with an 11-6 road loss to Kentucky Wesleyan and a 17-10 loss at home to Hillsdale.

• Missouri S&T started GLVC play with a 31-24 win at home against Quincy. Their next two games were on the road, consisting of a 36-14 loss at Truman State and a 41-14 win at William Jewell. The Miners dropped their final three games of the season to McKendree, Indianapolis, and Southwest Baptist.


ROAD WARRIORS PART TWO: The Statesmen answered last season's challenge of seven road games with seven road victories. While there are only five games away from Parker-McCool this season, the first two of the 2023 campaign begins with two road trips to Missouri S&T and Chowan. A win at Missouri S&T would extend the Statesmen's regular season road streak to an impressive nine games.

AWARDS AND HONORS: The Statesmen received several preseason honors at the 2023 GSC Media Day in Hoover, Alabama. The team was voted to finish first in the Gulf South Conference in the GSC coaches poll. Five Statesmen earned preseason All-GSC honors including quarterback Patrick Shegog, offensive lineman Keshawn Jennings, linebacker Demario Martin, kicker Nick Herber, and special team utility man Robbie Evans.

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 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!

PRESS CONFERENCE: Click here to view this week's press conference