CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University Football Team (5-1) will be back at Parker Field-McCool Stadium this Saturday to face against the Panthers from Ferrum College (2-4, 1-2 CC) at 1:00 p.m.
 
The Statesmen moved up in the AFCA Poll to no. 18 two weeks after defeating the Bulldogs 45-0 on Saturday (Oct. 4) at Truist Stadium in Wilson, N.C.
 
The Panthers enter this weekend after a with a 2-4 record and are 1-2 in Conference Carolina play after falling to the Bulldogs from Barton College 34-20 last Saturday in Ferrum, Va.
 
The Voice of the Statesmen Michael Gross will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network and on the FloCollege Network.
 
The Coaches
Todd Cooley enters his 13th season as head coach at Delta State, where he holds an 80-48 overall record at the helm in Cleveland.
 
He was hired as the program's 20th all-time head coach on January 25, 2013. Thursday's action will mark Cooley and Delta State's first ever match-up against Central Missouri.  In his first campaign as head coach, Cooley guided the Statesmen to a 7-3 overall record and a second-place finish in the Gulf South Conference. Inheriting a team that went 3-7 the year before, the high-energy Cooley built a cohesive family atmosphere in less than nine months. That energy helped feed a program's turnaround in just one season. In 2014, Cooley led the Statesmen to a 9-2 record, along with DSU's seventh Gulf South Conference title and a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs, the school's first since 2011.
 
For his efforts, Cooley was named Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year by his peers in the league. In all, 11 Statesmen were named to the All-GSC squad, including GSC Freshman of the Year Tyler Sullivan, who quarterbacked DSU to a 4-1 mark as a starter.
 
DSU averaged 40.0 points per game offensively, while averaging 472.2 yards per game. The Statesmen pulled off three victories over nationally ranked opponents after defeating No. 21 North Alabama 37-34, No. 14 Tarleton State 38-36 and No. 24 Valdosta State 63-55.  
 
In 2014, Cooley earned his second consecutive GSC Coach of the Year accolade, sharing the honor with Florida Tech's Steve Englehart. Twelve Statesmen were selected to the All-GSC squads, while Trey Shaw captured the league's Defensive Freshman of the Year honor. DSU put up an impressive 5,395 yards of total offense, outscoring opponents 491-215.
 
With expectations riding high entering the 2015 season, the Statesmen raced out of the gate to a 4-0 record and No. 5 national ranking. Unfortunately, the ride would be short-lived, as injuries began to mount and derailed a title run for DSU. The Statesmen finished the year 6-5 overall and 2-5 in GSC play.
 
The Statesmen finished the year leading the GSC in passing (312.4), while ranking second in scoring (36.4) and third in total offense (426.7).
 
In 2016, DSU finished its season ranked No. 3 in the GSC in scoring offense (36.9), total offense (446.8) and passing offense (287.7).
 
After an injury filled 2018 season that saw the Statesmen post a 2-8 mark, Cooley's Statesmen rebounded to finish 6-4 overall and 5-3 in the GSC in 2019. Overall, nine Statesmen earned All-GSC laurels and two were selected to the D2Football.com All-Americans.  Additionally, 13 Statesmen made the GSC Academic honor roll for a GPA of 3.0 or higher while four were selected to the GSC All-Academic football team.
 
Cooley's Statesmen wrapped up the 2021 season, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination on the field. The Statesmen's passing game was a key component of their offensive strategy. The team completed 164 out of 331 passing attempts, resulting in a total of 2,476 passing yards for the season. With an average of 7.48 yards per attempt and 225.09 yards per game, the passing attack was both efficient and effective. The team also recorded 22 passing touchdowns, showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities through the air.
 
Delta State University director of athletics Mike Kinnison announced a four-year contract for head coach Todd Cooley on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021. The new deal has Cooley signed through the 2024 season.
 
The Delta State University football team finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 overall record and a 6-1 mark in Gulf South Conference play. Delta State's offense was led by quarterback Patrick Shegogg, who threw for 2,970 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Statesmen also had a strong rushing attack for 1,825 yards and 15 touchdowns.
 
The Statesmen's defense was one of the best in the GSC, allowing just 23.08 points per game. Marlon Windham led the team with 5.2 tackles per game. The successful season secured them a ticket to the playoffs where they faced off against Fayetteville State in the first round.
 
The Statesmen finished the 2023 season with a 10-2 record, including a 7-1 record in conference play. The team had a strong defense, which allowed an average of 18.3 points per game.
 
Delta State secured its second GSC title in as many years with a 41-3 win over Mississippi College. The Statesmen earned the number two seed in Super Region Two for the NCAA Playoffs but will be continuing GSC play out of the gate having drawn West Florida in the first round.  Delta State football leads the GSC with 14 All-GSC team members for 2023.Eight Statesmen football team members were named on the first team list and six were named second team members.
 Delta State advanced to the second round of the NCAA Football Playoffs and avenged their only regular season win of the year with a one-sided win over West Florida. The Statesmen led 35-0 at the half with 385 yards of offense in two quarters. The Statesmen will be looking to build on their success in 2024. The team has a strong core of returning players and a talented group of newcomers.
 
Kevin Sherman returned to Ferrum as head football coach in January 2024. He came to Ferrum from the University at Buffalo, where he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as wide receivers coach. Sherman helped the Bulls to a 7-6 record, including an appearance and win in the 2022 Camellia Bowl.
 
Sherman is the ninth head football coach in Ferrum history since the program began in 1955. He played football four seasons under legendary Coach Hank Norton from 1987-90, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure from Ferrum in 1992. Sherman was Ferrum's 1990 Big Green Award recipient. Sherman served as the team captain and was named team MVP in 1990. He was later inducted into Ferrum's Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
 
Sherman has over 30 years of coaching experience, coaching in four BCS bowl games and 11 bowl games total. He was wide receivers coach at Pittsburgh from 2015-18, and wide receivers coach at Purdue from 2013-14. Sherman also spent seven years at Virginia Tech as wide receivers coach from 2006-12. During his time there, the Hokies went a combined 60-22 with seven bowl appearances, including four BCS bowl bids (2007 Orange, 2008 Orange, 2010 Orange, 2011 Sugar).
 
Prior to Virginia Tech, Sherman spent five seasons at Wake Forest University (wide receivers), four at Ohio (wide receivers), four at Virginia Military Institute (recruiting coordinator), one season at Methodist University (wide receivers) and one at his alma mater Ferrum College as a student assistant.
 
A native of Radford, Virginia, Sherman graduated from Radford High School in 1987 and is a member of Radford's Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
 
STATESMEN vs the state of Virginia

This weekend will be the first Time Delta State Football has faced an opponent from the State of Virginia since Delta State has compiled a 3-2 (.600) overall record vs. all opponents from the State of Virginia dating back to 1926. This weekend will be the first time the Statesmen will face off against Ferrum College

This will be the first time since 1982 that Delta State has faced an opponent from the state of Virginia. In 1982, the Statesmen defeated Liberty Baptist (now known as Liberty University) 16-13 on their season opener September 4th in Lynchburg, Va. 

The STATESMEN - At Home

Historically, Delta State is 289-147-15 (.640) at home dating back to 1926 when the University
started the football program. Once the Statesmen found a new home in McCool Stadium in the
year 1970 they have gone 173-96-8(.623) in Parker-McCool.

Ferrum enters this weekend with a 22-28 (.440) overall record in their past 50 road games dating back to 2015. The Panthers are currently 0-3 on the road in the 2025 season, losing to Catawba 45-13, VMI 42-7, and UNC Pembroke 41-14.

Statesmen vs. The Panthers
This weekend will mark the first time these two programs will meet in each other's histories.

This will also mark the fourth program in the Conference Carolinas that Delta State has faced as they are currently 3-1 against all teams in the conference in the 2025 season.

Statesmen Homecoming
This weekend is the 91st homecoming game for the Statesmen Football Program as they hold a 56-32-2 (.622) overall record in the previous 90 homecoming contests.

For the second time in program history, Homecoming will feature the Statesmen and a institution from the State of Virginia as Delta State defeated Liberty Baptist 31-6 on Homecoming in 1981. Last Season the Statesmen fell to national runner up Valdosta State on a rainy November Saturday.

The History of Both Programs

 The Statesmen, who are embarking upon their 95th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 511-416-23 overall record, winning 54.8 percent of their 948 all-time games.
Delta State is one of just 38 NCAA Division II institutions to have recorded 500 all-time victories. The Statesmen have the second most program victories out of any Gulf-South Schools

Ferrum has a 2-4 (.333) record in their inaugural season of division II intercollegiate play. The Panthers jumped up to Division II, joining the Conference Carolinas after competing in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in Division III since the 2018-19. Ferrum College was on the Division III level since 1985 after being in the NJCAA for 30 seasons. In their 70 seasons of existence, Ferrum holds a 399-266-7 (.593) overall record. 

Scouting the Statesmen
The Statesmen (5-1, 0-0 GSC) are back in Parker-McCool for homecoming weekend after a bye week separated a 45-0 win on the road on October 4th against the Bulldogs from Barton College.
 
Last time out, The No. 20 Delta State University Football team put together a complete team performance, rolling past Barton College 45–0 at Truist Stadium. The Statesmen improved to 5–1 on the season behind a balanced offensive attack and a smothering defense that pitched its second shutout of the year along with back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1965.
 
After a scoreless first quarter, Delta State's offense found its rhythm in the second, erupting for 25 points before halftime. Running back Nick Clark led the way with three first-half touchdowns, including scoring runs of 4, 8, and 3 yards. The defense chipped in with a safety, and kicker Dean Roberts capped the dominant quarter with a 38-yard field goal as time expired.
 
In the second half, Qualon Farrar took over on the ground, scoring three touchdowns of his own — from 2, 3, and 2 yards — to seal the blowout. The Statesmen finished with 189 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, showcasing the depth of their backfield and the strength of their offensive line.
 
Quarterback Garrett Ames managed the game efficiently, completing 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards with no turnovers. Jaden Gibson led all receivers with 77 yards on four catches, including a 39-yard reception that helped spark a scoring drive.
 
Defensively, Delta State suffocated Barton from start to finish, limiting the Bulldogs to just 114 total yards and forcing two interceptions and two fumbles. The front seven was relentless, recording three sacks and eight tackles for loss, while Austin Collins and Jacquez Tucker led the charge up front. Cameron Threatt and Carl Hopkins each came away with interceptions as the secondary continued its strong play.
 
Special teams also shined, with Price Nixon averaging 40 yards per punt and Roberts remaining perfect on extra points, going 4-for-4.
 
The Statesmen enter this weekend with their scoring defense being ranked no. 4 in the nation giving up only 11.2 points per game so far this season.
 
Redshirt Freshman Nick Clark enters this weekend tied as the top scorer in the GSC averaging 9.0 points per game after his three touchdown performance against Barton last weekend. The Daphne, Ala., native has ran for 314 yards on 69 attempts and nine touchdowns.
 
Scouting the Panthers
Ferrum (2-4, 1-2 CC) enter this weekend's contest looking to bounce back after suffering a 34-20 homecoming loss to the Bulldogs from Barton last Saturday in Ferrum, Va.
 
On the offensive end, redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Foutz completed 21 of his 29 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns along with an interception. The Panthers relied on their air attack as wide receivers Tyrik Bryand and Omarza Gray led the receiving room. Bryant led all receivers with seven receptions for 92 yards and a five yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter to make it 34-20.
 
Gray also had a solid performance for the Panthers as he had six receptions for 84 yards and a 25 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Bulldogs.
 
On the Defensive side of the ball, Cameron Ross led the way for the Black and Gold with nine tackles and a fumble recovery.
 
Following a scoreless first quarter, Isaiah Jacobs got Barton on the scoreboard first with a pair of touchdown receptions from Al Lee at 12:17 and 6:02 of the second quarter. The Bulldogs' Andrew Bontekoe than booted a 53-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the first half to give Barton a 17-0 lead at the break.
 
Jackson Parrish added a 39-yard touchdown run at 9:46 of the third quarter to widen the lead to 24-0. Ferrum's Na-Shawn Greene hauled in a 29-yard scoring strike from Eli Foutz a minute and a half later, but the PAT was wide left and the score stood at 24-6.
 
Lee closed out the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run up the middle, then Bontekoe connected on a 42-yard field goal attempt to give the Bulldogs their largest lead of the game at 34-6 with 11:38 left in fourth quarter.
 
Ferrum rallied for a pair of late scores. Omarza Gray scored on a 25-yard pass from Foutz with 4:04 left in the game, and the two-point PAT by Jahylen Lee was good to trim the lead to 34-14. Foutz then hit Tyrik Bryant from five yards out, but a two-point PAT was no good with 50 seconds left on the clock for the final 34-20 score.