JACKSON, Tenn. __ Playing away from home for the third straight week, Tuskegee football picked up a pivotal road win in SIAC play, defeating Lane 27-17 in Jackson, Tennessee, for the third consecutive Golden Tiger victory.
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Tuskegee improved to 3-3 overall and 3-1 in the SIAC after a strong all-around performance that saw contributions from the offense, defense, and special teams. The game was tightly contested, with both teams trading momentum throughout, but Tuskegee's ability to execute in key moments helped secure the victory.
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The Golden Tigers set the tone early in the game with a balanced offensive attack. On their second possession, quarterback
Raequan Beal orchestrated a well-executed drive that ended with a 63-yard touchdown run by running back
Chase Sellers, giving Tuskegee an early lead. The Golden Tigers' offense showcased its explosive potential right away, as Sellers broke through Lane's defensive front, giving TU a 7-0 advantage.
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Defensively, the Golden Tigers held firm in the first quarter, forcing a punt on Lane's first possession. However, Lane was able to respond with a 40-yard field goal on their next drive, cutting Tuskegee's lead to 7-3 by the end of the first quarter.
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The Dragons responded quickly in the second quarter with a touchdown drive capped by a 25-yard pass, giving Lane a 10-7 lead. Despite falling behind, Tuskegee stayed composed. On their next possession, Beal delivered a 58-yard touchdown pass to Quavo Beckford, who sprinted past the secondary to reclaim the lead for Tuskegee at 14-10.
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The Golden Tiger defense forced a turnover later in the quarter when linebacker
Kaquan Kimber caused a fumble that was recovered by
Rossie Grimes, swinging momentum back to the Golden Tigers. Although Tuskegee could not convert the turnover into points, they continued to control the pace of the game.
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Coming out of halftime, both defenses tightened up, and the third quarter was largely a battle for field position. Tuskegee's defense stepped up, forcing a turnover on downs and stifling Lane's offensive rhythm. Beal and the offense methodically moved the ball downfield, setting up a
Lorcan Ryans 28-yard field goal, which extended Tuskegee's lead to 17-10.
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Tuskegee's defense again rose to the occasion on the next possession, keeping Lane's offense in check. The Golden Tigers entered the fourth quarter with a seven-point advantage but were far from comfortable as Lane threatened to tie the game.
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Lane refused to go quietly, though, going on a 70-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Ike Brown, narrowing the gap to 24-17 with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
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Tuskegee's special teams then played a critical role. After a defensive stand that forced Lane to punt, Ryans connected on a 37-yard field goal, sealing the victory for the Golden Tigers at 27-17. Ryans' performance, which included two field goals and a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points, was instrumental in securing the win.
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Beal finished the game completing 10-of-19 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, both of which went to Beckford, who had a season-highs of 125 receiving yards and five catches.
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Sellers provided a spark in the ground game with his 63-yard touchdown run, finishing with 60 rushing yards on three carries. The balanced offensive approach helped Tuskegee stay ahead of Lane's defensive adjustments throughout the game.
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The Golden Tigers' defense played a key role in the victory, forcing two turnovers and recording two sacks. Michael McGuire led the defensive effort with nine total tackles, while Kimber added seven tackles, including one tackle for loss. Grimes also contributed with a fumble recovery, and
Caleb Harrell's fourth-quarter fumble recovery effectively ended Lane's comeback hopes.
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