WINGATE - In a game that was expected to be a high-scoring affair, Wingate’s defense proved that sometimes, the best offense is a great defense. In a stunning display of defensive prowess, the Wingate University Bulldogs reminded the college football world of the power of SAC football by defeating the 17th-ranked Delta State Statesmen 21-7 at Irwin Belk Stadium on Saturday. The victory improved Wingate’s record to 2-0, while Delta State suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to 2-1.
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| Wingate RB Ethan Wallace (Photo Credit: Robin Jackson) |
Defense Dominates
The story of the game was Wingate’s suffocating defense, which held the high-powered Delta State offense to just 7 points—a staggering 44 points below their season average. Coming into the contest, the Statesmen were averaging over 50 points and 320 passing yards per game. However, Wingate’s defensive unit had other plans, limiting Delta State to a mere 109 passing yards and 253 total yards of offense.
Wingate’s defensive line was particularly impressive, racking up five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Linebacker Dontorian Best led the charge with 13 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, while defensive end Marquise Fleming terrorized the Delta State backfield with 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries.
Offense Does Just Enough
While the defense stole the show, Wingate’s offense did enough to secure the victory. Quarterback Brooks Bentley completed 16 of 28 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Xavier Jackson for a 14-yard score in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7.
The Bulldogs’ ground game, led by O’Brien Barnett and Ethan Wallace, combined for 111 yards. Barnett punched in a crucial 1-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to give Wingate a 14-7 halftime lead.
Key Moments
Delta State struck first with a 65-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cole Kirk early in the first quarter. However, that would be the Statesmen’s only trip to the end zone for the entire game.
Wingate took control in the second quarter, capitalizing on an interception by CJ McGarity to set up their go-ahead touchdown drive. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter with a methodical 10-play, 86-yard drive, capped off by Noah Bell’s 2-yard touchdown run.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs will look to carry this momentum into their next game as they open South Atlantic Conference play at Carson-Newman next Saturday.
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