TUSKEGEE, Ala. | The 17th-ranked Tuskegee University Golden Tigers will look to rebound this week after suffering their first loss last Saturday, traveling to Wilberforce (Ohio) to face Central State University on Military Appreciation Day.
Tuskegee (6-1, 1-1 SIAC) currently sits third in the Super Region 2 standings, released on Monday, and look to improve that mark against Central State (1-7, 1-2 SIAC) who is coming off a loss to Fort Valley State on Saturday.
The Golden Tigers have relied on their defense thus far this season, and with good reason. The defense is currently ranked second in the nation in total defense, giving up just 223.4 yards per game. They are also first in the country in third and fourth down conversion percentage defense, as well as first downs allowed. They are also second in passing defense, seventh in scoring defense (14.3 points per game) and eighth in rushing defense.
Tuskegee will be facing an offense led by running back
De'Michael Jackson who is second in the SIAC in rushing this season with 843 yards. The senior has rushed for over 100 yards five times this season, including last week against Fort Valley State.
The Golden Tigers will turn to a pair of linebackers who have combined for 134 total tackles this season and are both ranked in the top 10 of the conference.
Osband Thompson (75) and
Quavon Taylor (59) lead a Golden Tiger defense that put pressure on the quarterback and not allowed many big plays this season. The team, rotating 11 defensive linemen, has sacked opposing team quarterbacks 22 times this season and has 24 quarterback hurries to their credit.
They have also forced 10 turnovers this season, eight of those by interception. Sophomore
Darnell Hill and junior
Eugene Leach lead the team with two interceptions each this season.
On the offensive side of the ball,
Kevin Lacey leads the Golden Tigers with 1,605 yards of total offense. The senior has completed 89-of-150 passes for 1,434 yards, while throwing for 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also run for 171 yards this season.
His favorite targets on the year have included
Desmond Reece (26-553-6),
Javarrius Cheatham (18-234-2) and
Leo Gilbert (15-267-4). The senior has thrown the ball to 13 different receivers on the year; with five different receivers catching touchdown passes. On the ground,
Jayjerien Craig leads the attack with 405 yards on 78 carries, while
Kenny Gant has 209 yards on 48 carries.
Kick is set for 1:00 pm (est) at McPherson Memorial Stadium, with pregame starting at 12:45 pm (est) on the Tuskegee Digital Network.
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