CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Football Team opens conference play on the road this Saturday with a top 25 match up against the Tigers from the University of West Alabama.

The Statesmen moved up in both the American Football Coaches' Association and the D2football.com polls after defeating the Panthers from Ferrum College last Saturday 51-10. Delta State is ranked 17th in the AFCA poll and 19th in the D2football.com poll.

West Alabama remains in the polls after suffering their first setback of the season last weekend with a 23-16 loss to GSC foe West Florida in Livingston. The Tigers are ranked 11th in the AFCA Poll and 17th in the D2football.com poll.

The Voice of the Statesmen Michael Gross will have the call live on the Statesmen Sports Network with the pregame show starting at 1:00 p.m. (CDT).
 
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.
 
Scott Cochran joins the UWA family after a distinguished career as a strength and conditioning coach at Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Alabama, and special teams coach at the University of Georgia. He began his career at LSU, where he laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy and contributed to the program's success. At Alabama, he played a crucial role in the development of the Crimson Tide's football program, contributing to multiple national championships and SEC titles. His tenure at Georgia further solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach, where he helped the Bulldogs achieve significant success on the field.
 
Throughout his career, Cochran has developed more than 50 athletes who went on to be first-round draft picks and more than 200 athletes who were drafted into the NFL. His accomplishments and honors include being part of teams that won eight national championships, showcasing his ability to contribute to winning programs at the highest level.
 
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Cochran's journey has been marked by personal growth and resilience. He has boldly emerged from a period of significant personal struggle with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep commitment to mentoring young athletes. His experiences have equipped him with a unique perspective and a profound understanding of the importance of mental and emotional well-being in achieving success.
 
Recently, Coach Cochran has dedicated his time to traveling across the country, speaking to athletes and organizations as part of his nonprofit, the American Addiction Recovery Association. His efforts have been focused on promoting mental health, resilience, and recovery, further demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the field.
 
Cochran takes the helm of UWA football following a 9-2 season for the Tigers, noted the best record in college football in Alabama in 2024, which also marked the end of a 10-season chapter as head coach for now Athletic Director Brett Gilliland.
 
STATESMEN vs the state of Alabama
 Delta State has compiled a 103-112-5 (.600) overall record vs. all opponents from the State of Alabama dating back to 1926. This weekend will be the 72nd time the Statesmen will face off against West Alabama

The last time Delta State faced off against an opponent not named West Alabama is in 2016 when North Alabama was in the Gulf South Conference before moving up to the Division I level and was competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference. 

The STATESMEN - On The Road
Historically, Delta State is 200-250-7 (.438) when playing on the road dating back to 1926 when the University started the Football Program. That record doesn't define how the Statesmen have performed on the road in recent years. In the Todd Cooley era, Delta State is 35-27 while playing away from Parker-McCool. This season, Delta State is currently 2-1 on the road with their last road trip ending in a 45-0 win against Barton.

West Alabama is currently 33-17 (.660) in their past 50 home games at Tiger Stadium dating back to 2016. West Alabama's lone loss of the season came at home against the Argonauts from West Florida

Statesmen vs. The Tigers
This weekend will mark the 72nd time these two programs will meet in each other's histories. Delta State holds a 40-28-3 (.563) overall record against the Tigers as the series dating back to1940.

In the past ten matchups between the Statesmen and the Tigers, Delta State holds a 6-4 overall record, winning the past six games. In Livingston, Delta State holds a 14-16-2 overall record while holding a 25-12-1 record in Cleveland.
In Gulf South Conference history, Delta State holds a 31-18-2 overall record against UWA.
 
The History of Both Programs
 The Statesmen, who are embarking upon their 95th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 512-416-23 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

West Alabama has a 359-440-15 (.447) record in 83 season played on the Division II.

Scouting the Statesmen
The Statesmen (6-1, 0-0 GSC) hit the road for their conference opener after a 51-10 homecoming win against Ferrum last Saturday at Parker Field McCool Stadium.
 
Last time out, The No. 18 Delta State University Statesmen put on a show for the home crowd Saturday afternoon, rolling past Ferrum College 51–10 behind a complete team effort that saw points in all four quarters and contributions on both sides of the ball.
 
The Statesmen (6-1) wasted no time setting the tone when Joshua Phillips returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown on Ferrum's opening drive. From there, Delta State's offense took control — Cole Kirk scored on a 1-yard keeper and later connected with Nick Clark on an 11-yard touchdown pass, as DSU stormed to a 21-0 first-quarter lead.
 
Clark added a rushing score to open the second quarter before Garrett Ames sprinted 41 yards to the end zone to make it 34-7. Ferrum managed a field goal before halftime, but the Statesmen entered the locker room firmly in control, leading 34-10.
 
Delta State added to its cushion after halftime with a 21-yard field goal from Dean Roberts, and the Statesmen defense held Ferrum scoreless the rest of the way. Fourth-quarter touchdowns from Qualon Farrar (5-yard run) and Lawrence Armstrong (13-yard reception from Reed Miller) capped off the dominant performance. The touchdown from Miller to Armstrong marked the first of their careers for the duo as Statesmen.
 
The Statesmen racked up 504 yards of total offense, including 310 through the air and 194 on the ground. Kirk led the passing attack, completing 10-of-14 for 185 yards and a score, while Ames threw for 112 and ran for 58 more with a touchdown. Clark tallied 57 rushing yards and two total touchdowns, and Armstrong led the receivers with a score, while Matt Rozier led the receivers in yards (51).
 
Defensively, Delta State limited Ferrum to 293 yards and forced two interceptions — one each by Phillips and Kendall Lee, who returned his pick 35 yards to set up a late touchdown. Tavian Moore paced the defense with nine tackles and two tackles for loss, while Jacquez Tucker added a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
 
Scouting the Tigers
West Alabama (5-1, 0-1 GSC) enter this weekend's contest looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season by a 23-16 final score against the Argonauts from West Florida last weekend in Livingston.
 
Against the Argonauts, West Alabama's (5-1, 0-1 GSC) defense played solid throughout the game until West Florida's Marcus Stokes connected with Tyree Holloway for an 11-yard touchdown with 56 seconds left, proving to be the game winner for the Argonauts.
 
UWA's defense held firm against UWF's opening drive, culminating in a crucial goal-line stand to force a turnover on downs at the one-yard line. Despite West Florida's advantage in time of possession, 11:40 to 3:20, and their 79-yard drive, penalties on both sides hindered progress. UWA managed to secure a first down through Spencer Arceneaux's key six-yard rush, keeping the score locked at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.
 
The Argonauts capitalized on a strong start to the second quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Stokes to Javon Swinton, taking a 6-0 lead. The Tigers struggled to generate momentum, hindered by penalties, including a delay of game and holding, which stalled their drives. Despite a late 13-yard rush by Contravious Blanks, an interception by Chester Fearon ended any scoring opportunity. At the end of the period, UWF led 6-0.
 
At the halfway point, West Florida outgained West Alabama 176 to 64.
 
The Argonauts capitalized on a 75-yard drive early in the third quarter, with TJ Lane rushing for a two-yard touchdown at 10:23, extending their lead. The Tigers responded by scoring their first touchdown of the game. West Alabama drove 79 yards, highlighted by a 27-yard touchdown pass from Arceneaux to Jaxon Colvin at 7:06, narrowing the deficit. West Florida added a field goal to finish the period ahead 15-7.
 
In a tense fourth quarter, UWA managed to cut their deficit to two courtesy of Brayden Jenkins' two-yard touchdown run at 8:14. West Florida responded with a decisive drive culminating in a touchdown pass from Stokes with 56 seconds left, followed by a successful two-point conversion.
 
Now trailing 23-16, West Alabama's Arceneaux threw an interception with 33 seconds remaining which sealed the game for the Argonauts.
 
JT Hooten led the defense with 14 tackles, including one sack. Arceneaux completed 16 of 31 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown, despite two interceptions. TD Parker contributed to the offense with five receptions totaling 94 yards. Colvin added a touchdown with two receptions for 54 yards.