CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Football Team hits the road for the final Gulf South Conference contest of the 2025 regular season as they travel to the Peach State to take on the Blazers from Valdosta State University Saturday at 3 p.m. (CT).

The Green and White fell in both d2football.com and the AFCA polls after dropping a 51-38 contest against the No. 3 ranked Argonauts from the University of West Florida last Saturday in Parker McCool. The Statesmen debuted in the Super Region II rankings as the no. 7 ranked team Monday afternoon.

Valdosta State enters this weekend with a 4-4 overall record but have playoff aspirations after defeating West Alabama 45-35 last weekend in Valdosta. The Blazers have won the past two contests and averaged 40 points per game.

The Voice of the Statesmen Michael Gross will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network with the pregame show starting at 2 p.m. (CT)

The Coaches
Todd Cooley enters his 13th season as head coach at Delta State, where he holds a 82-48 overall record at the helm in Cleveland.

He was hired as the program's 20th all-time head coach on January 25, 2013. Saturday's action will mark Cooley's 13th match-up against Valdosta State.  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.

Graham Craig was elevated to head coach on Jan. 20, 2025, as he served as offensive coordinator for the Blazers in 2024 for their run to the national title game.  He became the 12th head coach in the history of the program.

Craig returned to Titletown in the spring of 2024 as the offensive coordinator helping lead the team to the program's 11th Gulf South Conference title and a NCAA Division II National runner-up finish this past December with a 13-1 record overall and a 6-0 mark in GSC play. 

 In 2024, Craig's offense finished 11th nationally and tops in the GSC at 448.6 yards per game, while it was eighth nationally in scoring offense at 40.1 points per game which was best in the league.  The Blazers led the nation turnovers lost for the season with just five.

With two-time Harlon Hill finalist Sammy Edwards under center, the Blazers finished 23rd nationally and tops in the league in passing offense at 248.0 yards per game, while the team was 18th nationally and best in the league in rushing offense at 200.6 yards per contest.  The team was second nationally in passes had intercepted with just two INTs allowed all season, while VSU was sixth nationally in first down offense (311) and sixth nationally in third down conversion at a .518 clip.  Under Craig's guidance, Edwards, along with offensive linemen Will Flowers, Jeremiah Mawali and Kenley-Mary Asse earned All-America honors in 2024.

Craig spent the 2023 season as a senior offensive analyst/quarterbacks coach at Memphis.  He helped guide the Tigers to a 10-3 record and a Liberty Bowl title.  Memphis finished sixth nationally in scoring offense at 39.4 points per game, 14th in total offense (458.5 yards per game) and he coached quarterback Seth Henigan who finished seventh in the NCAA in total offense at 319.8 yards per contest.

 Prior to Memphis, Craig spent four seasons at West Georgia and three as the offensive coordinator for the Wolves.  In 2022, his unit led the nation in total offense at 507 yards per game and led NCAA Division II in first downs per game averaging 27 per contest.  The offense was sixth in scoring (40 points per game), fifth in sacks allowed (just five sacks all season), third in passing offense (321 yards per game), seventh in tackles for loss allowed per game and 37th nationally in rushing offense at over 187 yards per game. 

A native of Birmingham, Ala., he attended Spain Park High School.  Craig is married to the former Lauren Young, and the couple has two daughters, Lennon (3) and Georgia (1)

STATESMEN vs the state of Georgia
 Delta State has compiled a 55-36-1 (.598) overall record vs. all opponents from the State of Georgia dating back to 1926. This weekend will be the 45th time DSU will face off against Valdosta State.

The Statesmen are currently 1-0 against the state of Georgia this year as they defeated Fort Valey State 21-16 in a game where they trailed by 13. 

The STATESMEN - ON the Road
Historically, Delta State is 201-250-7 (.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 41-38 win against West Alabama.

Valdosta State is 184-57-1 (.765) in their program's history at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. This season, the Blazers are 2-2 with wins against North Greenville and West Alabama. Their two losses come in the hands of Lenoir-Rhyne and UNC Pembroke.

Statesmen vs. The Blazers
This weekend will mark the 45th time these two programs will meet in each other's histories. Delta State holds a 22-21-1 (.500) overall record against the Blazers as the series dates to 2016.

Last time Delta State played in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium was on October in 2023 when the Statesmen defeated the Blazers 49-25.
 
The history of both programs
 The Statesmen, who are embarking upon their 95th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 513-417-23 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

Valdosta State has a 350-141-3 (.708) record in 42 seasons played on the Division II .

Scouting the Statesmen
The Statesmen (7-2, 1-1 GSC) looks to bounce back as they hit the road for a big conference clash at Valdosta State. DSU fell at home last weekend to West Florida 51-38.
 
Last time out, No. 15 Delta State (7-2, 1-1 GSC) came up short in a high-scoring contest between two of Division II's top programs, falling 51-38 to No. 3 West Florida (9-0, 2-0 GSC) on Saturday evening at Parker Field–McCool Stadium.
 
West Florida struck first with back-to-back first-quarter touchdowns before a 27-yard field goal from Dean Roberts put the Statesmen on the board. After falling behind 21-3 early in the second quarter, Delta State roared back with a flurry of big plays.
 
Curtis Rearden hauled in his first touchdown of the night from 33 yards out, and moments later, Neno Lemay electrified the home crowd with a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-17. Rearden's second score just before halftime made it a 28-24 game, but a late UWF field goal sent the visitors into the break ahead 31-24.
 
Delta State tied it at 31-31 early in the third quarter when Austin Collins recovered a UWF fumble for a touchdown, but West Florida answered with two rushing scores to regain control.
 
Rearden's 86-yard strike from Ames midway through the fourth quarter brought DSU back within a possession 45-38, but the Argos sealed the game with a 61-yard touchdown run with under two minutes remaining.
 
Redshirt freshman quarterback Garrett Ames led the Delta State offense with 232 passing yards and three touchdowns, all to wideout Curtis Rearden, who turned in a career night with four catches for 207 yards and three scores. Rearden's explosive performance included touchdown grabs of 33, 39, and 86 yards, keeping DSU in striking distance throughout the contest.
 
Defensively, Taylon Doss paced DSU with 13 tackles, while Joshua Phillips added eight stops. Kicker Dean Roberts was perfect on the day, connecting on all five extra points and a 27-yard field goal.

With their tremendous performances, Rearden and Lemay earned GSC recognition as Rearden earned the GSC Offensive Player of the Week. Lemay earned GSC Special Teams Player of the Week. 
 
Scouting the Blazers
Valdosta State (4-4, 1-0 GSC) enter this weekend hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive, after defeating West Alabama last weekend 45-35 in Valdosta.
 
Last time out, A total of 49 points were scored in the fourth quarter as Valdosta State built a 24-7 lead at halftime only to see No. 21 West Alabama rally to within three twice in the final stanza, before the Blazers used a scoop-and-score fumble return from senior Dallas Robinson for a 45-35 victory Saturday afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
 
With the win, the Blazers improved to 4-4 on the year and 1-0 in Gulf South Conference play, while West Alabama dropped its third-straight game, falling to 5-3 overall and 0-3 in Gulf South Conference play.  VSU improved to 37-6 all-time against UWA.
 
The chaotic and one of the wildest final frames in recent memory, began after neither team scored in the third quarter.  UWA had the ball at the VSU 28 to start the fourth as wide receiver Dearrius Nelson rushed for a 28-yard touchdown run on the first play of the quarter trimming the VSU lead to 24-14.  VSU used a great pass to senior Council Allen from junior quarterback Jameson Holcomb for 23 yards and then junior Corey Reddick, Jr., went 43-yards up the middle for a touchdown and a 31-14 lead with 12:40 to play.
 
The Tigers would respond as quarterback Spencer Arceneaux scrambled for 36-yards to the VSU 16 and then Brayden Jenkins would score from four-yards out for a 31-21 score.  A muffed punt return by the Blazers led to a touchdown as UWA pulled with 7:37 remaining.
 
From there, the Blazers kept their composure and moved down the field and, on third and nine from the VSU 39, the Blazers dialed up some trickeration as Holcomb lateraled the ball to Allen who tossed a beautiful rainbow pass to a wide-open sophomore Joel Houedenou for a 36-yard touchdown pushing the lead back to ten at 38-28 with 6:01 to play.
 
The Tigers would not go quietly, however, as Arceneaux found Tyrek Williams for 35 yards and Tyler Smith rushed for a 17-yard touchdown and trimming the VSU lead back to 38-35 with 4:03 to play.  Blazer junior punter Devin Walter had another outstanding punt as he pinned the Tigers at their own seven with a 48-yarder.  Walter had six punts for a 49.3 average and a long of 55 on the day and four over 50 yards.
 
On the first play from scrimmage, Arceneaux found Nelson for eight yards, but he was stripped by senior Josh Brown and Robinson recovered on the scoop-and-score sealing the victory with 1:59 to play at 45-35.  VSU junior kickoff man Ethan Eddins hit a short kickoff as it ricocheted off a UWA player and the Blazers recovered and kneeled the ball to run the clock out.
 
UWA held a staggering 552-395 advantage in total yards in the game, while the Tigers rushed for 329 yards and the Blazers 141.  VSU had 254 yards passing from Holcomb and Allen went a combined 19 of 29 passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions.  Arceneaux was 22 of 34 passing for UWA for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
 
The Blazers had rushing touchdowns from senior Eric Watts and Reddick, Jr., as Watts had 82 yards on three carries and junior Corey Reddick, Jr., had 15 carries for 65 yards.  UWA had 100-yard rushes from Brayden Jenkins on 24 carries for 127 yards and a score, while Arceneaux had seven carries for 104 yards.   Allen had eight carries for 136 yards and a touchdown, while throwing his first touchdown of his career in high school or college for VSU.