Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University Statesmen (1-0) opened its 2025 season with a gritty 31-23 upset victory over No. 22 Central Missouri (0-1) on Thursday night at Parker Field McCool Stadium. Behind a fast start quarterback Cole Kirk and a resilient defensive effort, the Statesmen built an early cushion and held off a late rally by the Mules.

Central Missouri wasted no time on its opening drive, marching 75 yards in under three minutes. UCM's quarterback capped the possession with a 13-yard touchdown strike, giving the Mules a 7-0 lead.

Delta State answered immediately. Kirk ripped off a 51-yard run to set up the Statesmen in the red zone, then found Carter Coullard on a 3-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Minutes later, following a Central Missouri fumble, Kirk connected with Curtis Rearden for a 31-yard score. Although the extra point was blocked, DSU surged ahead 13-7.

The second quarter swung heavily in Delta State's favor. Nick Clark punched in a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and the DSU defense forced a safety after relentless pressure pinned the Mules deep. Kicker Cade Mangum tacked on a 23-yard field goal before halftime. Central Missouri managed only a field goal and a late safety, sending the teams into the locker room with Delta State up 25-12.

Delta State extended its lead early in the third quarter when Davion Alston barreled in from three yards out, pushing the margin to 31-12. Central Missouri wasn't finished, trimming the deficit to 31-23 entering the fourth.

Central Missouri controlled much of the fourth quarter offensively. Twice, the Mules drove deep into Statesmen territory, but the DSU defense stood tall. The most crucial stop came in the final minute, when Delta State denied Central Missouri on 4^th-and-6 from the 12-yard line to secure the win, 31-23.

The Statesmen return home on Saturday, Sept. 6 to face North Greenville for Pig Pickin'. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.