The ACU football team played on the road Thursday after a short week and dealing with numerous injuries, but the team overcame adversity to get a road win 34-28 over Delta State.

The Wildcat defense played outstanding football forcing turnovers on the first two Statesman drives that lead to an early 10-0 lead.

Leading the charge was cornerback Mike Wallace, who had two more interceptions and helped kick start a Wildcat team that was on the ropes heading into Cleveland, Miss.

Wallace had four picks in a five-day span, showing off his nose for the football and displaying big-time playmaking ability.

“People don’t realize, Mike has really long arms,” head coach Ken Collums said. “Quarterbacks are trying to throw the ball over his head, and they just can’t do it. A couple of those picks have been one handed even, which is awesome.”

The offense also got a shot in the arm when running back Charcandrick West was able to get on the field after battling a groin injury for a good portion of the season.

West found pay dirt twice in the game, once through the air and once on the ground. ACU had dearly missed his explosiveness, and the Wildcat offense looked great with number 26 toting the rock again.

“It is always important to get a guy back that is the starting running back,” quarterback Mitchell Gale said. “West really helped make the difference in the game.”

The offensive line has struggled to keep quarterback Mitchell Gale clean this year, but the blocking looked much better on Thursday.

Gale was sacked three times, but experienced a cleaner pocket for the duration of the game. Gale was also able to toss three touchdowns and have a bounce back game, delivering balls to seven different receivers.

“Any time you can get into a rhythm offensively, it really builds confidence and helps you feel comfortable,” Gale said. “We knew that because of what Delta State liked to do, we would have to get the ball out fast and work the quick game, and that took pressure off of the linemen.”

The Delta State offense presented plenty of issues, with a complicated rushing attack that can give opposing defenses tons of trouble.

However, the ‘Cats only gave up one big play on the ground, and were able to keep dual-threat quarterback Trevor Wooden in check for most of the game.

After the win, the Wildcats improved to 3-2 on the season, and have 11 days to prepare for Lone Star Conference opponent Eastern New Mexico at home.