LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Football team fell, 41-38, to No.17 Delta State at Tiger Stadium on Saturday.

West Alabama's (5-2, 0-2 GSC) offense totaled 429 yards, but their defense allowed 459 total yards to Delta State (7-1, 1-0 GSC). The Tigers started slow, resulting in a 34-17 deficit at halftime, before a strong second half got them back in the game. Even with better offensive and defensive play in the back half of the game, it wasn't enough to overcome their 17-point disadvantage at the break.

"That was a tough one," said head coach Scott Cochran. "I'm so proud of our guys because they fought their tails off. I've got to do a better job of getting the party started early. This is the second week in a row where our second half effort was really good, but I have to do a better job of getting us going in the first half."

The Statesmen struck first in the game on their first drive after UWA's Spencer Arceneaux threw an interception on the Tigers' opening drive. Starting at West Alabama's 48-yard line, Delta State drove deep into UWA territory before Cole Kirk opened the scoring with a one-yard Touchdown run. Delta State missed the extra point, making it a 6-0 game. Later in the quarter, Kirk connected with Neno Lemay for a 90-yard touchdown to put UWA in a 13-0 hole to end the period.

To begin the second quarter, Elijah Guyton put the Tigers on the board with a 38-yard Field Goal. Two drives later, West Alabama forced a Delta State three-and-out which led to a 60-yard punt return touchdown by Houston Johnson at 7:50, narrowing the score to 13-10. Despite this effort, DSU responded with two quick touchdowns, including a 75-yard pass from Kirk to Lawrence Armstrong, extending their lead. West Alabama's Arceneaux connected with TD Parker for a 32-yard touchdown at 2:16, but a late interception caught by Carl Hopkins who returned it 76 yards set up a final Statesmen score, leaving West Alabama trailing 34-17 at halftime.

To begin the second half, the Tigers scored on their opening drive courtesy of a seven-yard Touchdown run by Michael Dujon to cut their deficit to 10. Momentum stayed in West Alabama's favor as an interception by Travon Nunn set up a three-yard score for Brayden Jenkins that cut DSU's lead to 34-31. With things going the way of the Tigers, the Statesmen halted their momentum with an 88-yard touchdown drive that put UWA back down 10. The score would remain at 41-31 for the remainder of the period.

In the fourth, neither team was able to score on their first couple of possessions before Arceneaux connected with Johnson for a 33-yard touchdown to make it a three-point game once again with 2:21 left to play. With all three timeouts at their disposal, West Alabama kicked off and relied on their defense until two huge third down conversions for Delta State iced the game.

Arceneaux completed 24 of 38 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns, adding 36 rushing yards on five attempts. Parker caught three passes for 87 yards, including a touchdown. Defensively, Nunn recorded eight tackles and an interception, while Michael McGregor led the team with 11 tackles. Johnson contributed with a touchdown reception and an 88-yard punt return touchdown.

"We know what we are capable of," coach Cochran continued. " We have to execute and come out of the gate with confidence. Hopefully you'll see a better start next week."

West Alabama will be on the road next Saturday as they travel to Valdosta State for a 12:00 p.m. CST kickoff against the Blazers.