CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University football team is back in Parker-McCool this weekend for Homecoming and their conference opener against the Tigers from the University of West Alabama

Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. from Travis E. Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium on the north side of Delta State University.

The Statesmen enter this weekend after earning their third straight win with a 24-7 result against Ferrum last weekend in Ferrum. Qualon Farrar, Jordan Bradley, and Drake Fowler all earned Gulf South Conference Weekly honors after the win.

The Tigers are looking to bounce back from their 37-3 loss on the road against former GSC foe West Florida in Pensacola last Saturday afternoon. Last weekend was the Tigers first loss in a month as their other loss came to North Greenville on September 19 in Livingston.

The Voice of the Statesmen Michael Gross will provide the play by play on the Statesmen Sports Radio Network on Majic 107.5 FM WMJW, and on the FloCollege network. The Pregame show will be at 3:00 p.m.

The Coaches
David Dean enters his 1st season as head coach at Delta State.

He was hired as the program's 20th all-time head coach on February 6, 2026. Saturday's action against the Panthers will be Dean's 180th game as a head coach.
 
Dean arrives at Delta State with more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience, including over two decades as a head coach, and a proven track record of sustained excellence at the national level. Over his career, Dean has compiled a 129–50 record as a head coach, captured three NCAA Division II National Championships, earned a national runner-up finish, and won seven Gulf South Conference championships. His success places him as the second-winningest head coach in GSC history, one of the most competitive leagues in Division II football.
 
Most recently, Dean served as head coach at the University of West Georgia from 2017–23, where he became the winningest coach in school history with a 48–20 record. Under his leadership, the Wolves reached the NCAA Division II playoffs three times, including back-to-back appearances in 2017 and 2018, and again in 2021. During the 2022 season, Dean's offense led all of Division II in total offense, showcasing his long-standing reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the college game.
 
During his time in Carrollton, Dean and his team has produced 40 All-Gulf South Conference selections and 16 All-Americans. Two players from his 2019 squad, John Hurst and Azouyah Alufohai signed undrafted free agent contracts in the National Football League.
 
Dean is best known for his success at Valdosta State University, where he built a national powerhouse during two separate stints. As head coach from 2007–15, he posted a 79–27 overall record, led the Blazers to NCAA Division II National Championships in 2007 and 2012, and guided the program to six playoff appearances. Dean was named AFCA National Coach of the Year in both championship seasons and earned multiple regional and conference coaching honors during his tenure.
 
Beyond his individual success, Dean's VSU players captured the highest of honors. His VSU teams had 18 Division II All-America selections, while 10 players signed National Football League contracts. Dean also coached three players who earned GSC Freshman of the Year honors, two league players of the year, and a national defensive player of the year.
 
In addition to his time as head coach, Dean also played a key role in Valdosta State's 2004 national championship as offensive coordinator, helping guide one of the most prolific offenses in Division II history. His teams have been consistently known for explosive offensive production, disciplined special teams play, and a strong emphasis on academic accountability.
 
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 Against West Alabama
This Saturday will mark the 72nd overall matchup between two of the Gulf South Conference 's original institutions. The series dates to 1940 where both teams ended in a scoreless tie in Cleveland. The Statesmen hold a 41-28-3 overall record against the Tigers throughout the history of Delta State University vs. Livingston University and the University of West Alabama.

The Statesmen earned their first win against the Tigers in 1948 with a 27-6 victory over at the time Livingston University. The Statesmen were 18-19-3 against the Tigers when they were the Livingston University from 1940 to 1994.
In 1995 Livingston University became the University of West Alabama. Ever since the Statesmen held a 23-9 overall record against the University of West Alabama.

Last season, Delta State ended up winning a 41-38 slugfest against the Tigers on their Homecoming weekend in Livingston. The Statesmen had 453 total yards on Offense with 298 through the air.     

The STATESMEN On Homecoming
This weekend marks the 92nd homecoming game for the Statesmen Football program as they hold a 57-32-2 (.626) overall record in the previous 91 homecoming contests.

Last season, the Statesmen went on the road for West Alabama's homecoming weekend where they took a 34-17 lead into half and held on to win 41-38 against the Tigers in front of 4,764 fans in Tiger Stadium. Last Season, the Statesmen defeated Ferrum 51-10 on homecoming weekend in Cleveland behind 504 total yards on offense and a two-touchdown performance by Cole Kirk. The Statesmen dominated early on leading 34-10 at the half.

Statesmen at home
At home, Delta State has compiled a 291-149-15 (.640) overall record in the program's 95-year history. Starting in 1970, Delta State has called Travis E. Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium their home where they compile a 175-98-8 (.623) record on the north side of the Delta State University Campus.

Ever since Travis E. Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium was built in 1970, Delta State has held a 19-8 overall record at McCool Stadium against the Tigers in McCool Stadium on the north side of the Delta State University Campus. Last time here, the Statesmen knocked of the 10th ranked Tigers 21-6 behind a stellar defensive performance where the Statesmen forced three turnovers.

The History of Both Programs
 The Statesmen, who are embarking upon their 95th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 516-420-23 overall record, winning 55.0 percent of their 934 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 359-443-15 (.449) record in 84 seasons of intercollegiate play.

Scouting the Statesmen
Delta State enters this weekend after a 24-7 win on a long road trip to Virginia last weekend against Ferrum College.
 
The Delta State University football team delivered a strong defensive and special teams performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Ferrum College 24-7 at W.B. Adams Stadium.
 
The Statesmen (3-3) held the Panthers (2-5) scoreless in the first quarter and shut them out in the second half to secure the road victory. Delta State's defense recorded two interceptions, three sacks and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown to help control the game.
 
Delta State opened the scoring with an extended drive in the second quarter. The Statesmen marched 92 yards on 13 plays, capped by a 3-yard touchdown run from Emile Picarella with 8:28 remaining in the half. Price Nixon added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
 
Ferrum answered with an 82-yard drive, tying the game at 7-7 on a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Na'Ledge Wright with 2:52 left in the second quarter.
 
The Statesmen responded with a pivotal special teams play less than two minutes later. Drake Fowler blocked a Ferrum punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown with 39 seconds remaining in the half. Nixon's extra point gave Delta State a 14-7 advantage at the break. The Statesmen special teams unit would also block a field goal at the end of the half to keep it at 14-7.
 
Delta State extended its lead in the third quarter with a 31-yard field goal by Nixon at the 2:05 mark. The kick capped a 66-yard drive that consumed 5:34 and pushed the Statesmen ahead 17-7.
 
The defense continued to deliver in the second half, forcing two turnovers through interceptions by Jordan Bradley and Davaris Pilcher. Delta State also recorded three sacks, including a sack shared by Kamran Anderson, while Detrick Munford and Maliek Robertson each contributed a sack. The Statesmen limited Ferrum to just 112 rushing yards and held the Panthers scoreless after halftime.
 
Delta State put the game away late in the fourth quarter with an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Picarella connected with Harrison Knight for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 1:41 remaining, and Nixon's extra point sealed the 24-7 victory.
 
On offense, Qualon Farrar led the Statesmen on the ground with 101 rushing yards on 14 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. Nick Clark added 65 rushing yards on 16 carries, while Picarella finished 12-of-18 passing for 99 yards and a touchdown. Farrar led Delta State with 106 all-purpose yards.
 
Defensively, Alonzo Jackson II and Tavian Moore paced the Statesmen with eight total tackles apiece. Bradley and Pilcher each recorded an interception, helping Delta State finish with two takeaways. The Statesmen also controlled possession for 32 minutes, 29 seconds and converted both of their fourth-down attempts.
 
The Statesmen had three players earning Gulf South Conference Weekly Honors.
 
Graduate running back Qualon Farrar earned the GSC Player of the Week. Redshirt junior Jordan Bradley was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week, while redshirt sophomore Drake Fowler earned GSC Special Teams Player of the Week.
 
Farrar earned GSC Player of the Week honors after rushing for a Statesmen career high 101 yards on 14 carries in DSU's 24-7 win on the road against Ferrum College Saturday afternoon. The Statesmen as a whole, rushed for 199 yards in the win.
 
Bradley earned GSC Defensive Player of the Week after a solid outing on the defensive end for the Statesmen in Saturday's win. Bradley had five tackles including a pass breakup and an interception for the second consecutive game in the first drive of the third quarter.
 
Fowler is this week's GSC Special Teams Player of the Week after a game changing play that gave the Statesmen momentum in the second quarter. The Little Rock native blocked a Panther punt then recovered the blocked kick in the endzone for a touchdown to give DSU a 14-7 lead before the half.

Scouting the Tigers
West Alabama is looking to bounce back after falling 37-3 against former GSC foe West Florida last Saturday afternoon in Pensacola, Fla.

West Alabama (5-2) was held to six first downs and 29 total yards in their loss to West Florida (4-2).
 
The Argonauts finished with 528 total yards, including 329 rushing, and held the ball for 37:36 compared to 22:24 for UWA. The Tigers defense played well early on, recording an interception and a fumble recovery.
 
UWA was held without a first down in the first quarter, finishing with minus-9 rushing yards and seven passing yards while going 0-for-3 on third down. The Argonauts controlled more of the production with 99 rushing yards, 30 passing yards and 9:47 of possession, though Issaiah Parrish's interception and 20-yard return stopped the opening drive before Ty 'Ray Davis' 8-yard touchdown run helped send the Argonauts into the second quarter ahead 6-0.
 
The Argonauts outscored the Tigers 17-0 in the second quarter, adding a 30-yard field goal and two rushing touchdowns to move ahead 23-0. West Alabama was limited to 30 total yards in the quarter, while the Argonauts rushed for 84 yards and passed for 70 despite committing six penalties for 60 yards.
 
West Florida continued to pull ahead in the second half. The Argonauts did most of their damage on the ground with 99 rushing yards, went 3-for-4 on third down and added Davis' 9-yard touchdown pass to Tyshon Mansell to carry a 30-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
West Alabama was able to get on the board in the fourth quarter with a 43-yard Field Goal from Elijah Guyton, but West Florida would go on to win, 37-3.