The luck had to run out sometime. With a handful of fourth quarter comebacks and last-minute defensive stands already this season, the #1 Statesmen of Delta State University failed to stop a late surge by the University of West Georgia Wolves  late in the fourth quarter on Saturday and recorded their second loss of the season, losing 39-35.

The Statesmen were up 35-24 before the Wolves marched down the field twice, scoring on a 12-play, 66-yard drive with a little over nine minutes to play and a crucial 68-yard drive late in the game.

On a 4th and goal on the 1-yard line the Wolves opted to go for the touchdown and not a game-tying field goal and the DSU defense was unable to wrap up James Kennebrew as he waltzed in for the score to give UWG the 39-35 lead.

The Statesmen offense quickly rallied and found themselves in a position to win the game but a pass by quarterback Micah Davis on 4th and goal on the 7-yard line was incomplete and UWG won.

The Wolves struck first with a field goal to give UWG a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter. After a Davis interception, UWA had great field position and capitalized with a 19-yard TD run by Emmanuel Taylor to go up 10-0 in the second quarter.

DSU quickly answered back with a touchdown of their own on a Davis quarterback keeper after a 57-yard drive.

Then, DSU’s defense came in motion and Jerry barnes picked off Taylor to set the Statesmen up with good field position. DSU attempted to kick a field goal 47 yards out but Matt Dean was unable to put the ball through the uprights.

On the ensuing drive, Dominique Davenport picked off Taylor again and this time DSU was able to capitalize on the turnover off a 50-yard TD run by Brandon Lucas.

With little time left in the first half, the Wolves amassed a 76-yard TD drive to go up 17-14 at the half.

Then, in the beginning of the third quarter, Taylor connected with wide receiver Arkeem French 30 yards out for a quick TD to put the Wolves up 24-14.

The Statesmen then took advantage of a personal foul by the Wolves and Richard Freelon found a gap for 38 yards which led to a 2-yard run by Avery Horn to put the Statesmen within three.

With a little momentum on their side, the DSU defense picked off Taylor yet again and this led to a Davis quarterback keeper that gave the Statesmen a 28-24 lead.

The DSU defense thwarted the Wolves’ offense and the enxt drive Lucas found open green en route to a 42-yard touchdown run to put the Statesmen up 35-24.

Delta State finished the game with 398 rushing yards, with Lucas leading the squad with 233.

Davis finished the game with over 200 passing yards, but tallied three interceptions in the first half.

The postseason field will be released today at 4 p.m. as the NCAA will unveil the 24-team bracket on ESPN News.

If DSU retains its #1 ranking, the team will receive a first-round bye and will host game two on Nov. 26.