Delta State vs. West Florida (21 Oct 23)

[CalifOKRA]

Obviously this is a huge game. Should be a good one. At this point, both teams control their own destiny.

Delta State comes in with a 7-0 record, 5-0 in GSC play.

West Florida is 5-2, 3-1 in the GSC. One of those losses being to an FCS school.

This will be the 8th matchup between the schools. West Florida leads the all-time series against Delta State at 4-3.

PREVIEW: #5 Delta State Welcomes #18 West Florida
https://gostatesmen.com/news/2023/10...t-florida.aspx

[Argonut]

The series with Delta is like the one with West Georgia where the road team wins nearly every game. Delta is 2-1 in Pensacola and the Argos are 3-1 in Cleveland including a school record comeback in 2021.

If the Argos play like they did last week they will be fried Okra. If they play like they have in this series it should be a high scoring nailbiter. With the exception of the 2019 homecoming game the average margin of victory in this series is 6 points.

The game pits Delta’s #1 GSC offense vs. West Florida’s #1 GSC defense. The only question is which Argo offense will take the field- last weeks version against West Ala. or last year’s version against Delta?

The Argos have bounced back from a regular season loss with a win 10 out of 14 times in their history. In their four losses with Pee Wee at QB three have been offensive no shows and one was last year’s offensive explosion where the Argos set school records in rushing yards (386) and total yards (662), but lost the game by turning the ball over 4 times to Delta’s zero times.

In their offensive meltdowns against Ferris St., FAMU and West Ala. the Argos averaged 240 yards total offense (159 pass/82 run), was less than 50% in pass completions and third down conversions, was sacked more than they sacked the other QB, committed more penalties and turned the ball over once. A good sacking and run stopping defense was the common denominator in these losses. The Argos top the GSC in these categories, but Delta is not far behind.

Delta also tops the conference in kickoff returns and burned the Argos for a 100 yard TD in last year’s game. The Argos also top the conference in penalties, which is not a good stat to have against an explosive team like Delta.

The history of this series says it should be a close and exciting game and I’m hoping last week’s game was the Argos looking ahead to this game. Delta has been hot since the opening kickoff this year and the Argos have not. Delta by 10 and I hope I’m wrong like last week.

[CalifOKRA]

Appreciate the writeup, Argonut.

[statesmen supporter]

What does West Florida’s defensive line average size wise?

[Argonut]

What does West Florida’s defensive line average size wise?

The 15 DL roster averages 265 and they play a 4 down defense, which is different from the 3-4 of the past. They have a few 300 lb. DL, but not as many as in the past rosters.

The defensive philosophy is a quick and active 4 man front creating pressure and chaos and the sack numbers and tackles for loss are up this year.

[statesmen supporter]

I thought y’all might enjoy this podcast that talks about the game. https://www.supertalk.fm/from-d2-to-...-west-florida/

[West Florida]

We are going to get pounded.

Statesmen by 90.

[CalifOKRA]

We are going to get pounded.

Statesmen by 90.

As much as I would love to see that happen, it's not. This will be a tight game, and I hate that because it's going to stress me out.

[statesmen supporter]

We are going to get pounded.

Statesmen by 90.

Why do you think you all are going to get pounded? Delta State may win but not pounded. Until last week West Florida was rolling why the lack of confidence?

[CalifOKRA]

Delta State preview added. I'll link the UWF write-up once it is posted.

[Argonut]

Warm, sunny and breezy day at McCool stadium with healthy 13 mph breeze blowing from home stands toward visitors side. Argos in shorts on field getting adjusted to conditions.

[Argonut]

Pee Wee and Stokes throwing bombs from 50 to end zone.

[Argonut]

Argos wearing all whites with Argos decal on helmet. Delta in green jerseys and helmets with grey pants. A couple dozen fans here so far.

[Argonut]

Both teams on field for final warmup and Cleveland High School band just arrived. About a dozen Argo fans so far.

[Argonut]

Argos get ball first.