WILSON, N.C. — The No. 20 Delta State University Football team (5-1, 0-0 GSC) put together a complete team performance Saturday afternoon, 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.

DSU will enter the bye week before coming back home for their homecoming game on Saturday (Oct. 18) against the Panthers from Ferrum College at 1:00 p.m. (CDT)