TUSKEGEE, Ala. __ In a thrilling home victory, the Tuskegee Golden Tigers claimed a 38-24 win over Kentucky State at Abbott Memorial Stadium, marking their fourth straight victory and improving their record to 4-3 overall and 4-1 in the SIAC.
Tuskegee's balanced attack, strong defense, and key special teams play were instrumental in securing the win.
The game started explosively for the Golden Tigers. Just 48 seconds into the game, quarterback
Raequan Beal connected with
Quavon Beckford on a 63-yard touchdown pass, putting Tuskegee up 7-0 early.
Kentucky State responded quickly with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Denim Johnson to Tyler Bercy to even the score at 7-7 with over eight minutes in the first.
Tuskegee wasted no time regaining the lead, however, as Beal found Beckford again, this time for a 23-yard touchdown, capping a seven-play, 75-yard drive.
The Golden Tigers defense came through in a big way later in the quarter, with
Kaquan Kimber recovering a fumble and returning it 93 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 21-7 by the end of the first.
Kentucky State trimmed the lead early in the second quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown by Guy Dorsey, but Tuskegee's
Lorcan Ryans responded with a 43-yard field goal, maintaining a two-score lead at 24-14.
The Thorobreds added a field goal before the half, making it 24-17 at the break. Despite the pressure from Kentucky State, Tuskegee's defense and special teams kept the visitors at bay.
The Golden Tigers dominated the third quarter, controlling the line of scrimmage and extending their lead with a nine-yard rushing touchdown by
Renoldo Spivey Jr. after a 10-play, 69-yard drive.
The defensive continued to shine, holding Kentucky State scoreless in the third quarter. Moore registered two sacks during this stretch, helping keep the Thorobreds' offense in check.
Tuskegee all but sealed the win with a one-yard touchdown run by
Chase Sellers early in the fourth quarter, completing an 11-play, 99-yard drive that chewed up more than six minutes of clock time.
Kentucky State scored a late touchdown on a 27-yard pass later in the quarter, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback as Tuskegee closed out the 38-24 win.
Beal led the way for the Golden Tigers, completing 11-of-18 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns, both to Quavo Beckford, who finished with 125 yards on three catches.
On the ground,
Desmond Leverette rushed for 63 yards on seven carries, while Spivey Jr. added 52 yards and a touchdown, and Sellers also contributed 23 yards and a touchdown.
Tuskegee's defense was led by
Charles Davis Jr., who recorded 13 tackles, including six solo stops and one sack. Kimber was also a standout, not only with his 93-yard fumble recovery touchdown but also contributing solidly in the defensive backfield.
Malik Moore added a pair of sacks along with six total tackles, while
Noah Holton and
Michiel McGuire both had six tackles, while McGuire added three pass breakups.
Ryans was perfect in the kicking game, nailing a 43-yard field goal and converting all five extra points. He also averaged 38.5 yards per punt, playing a crucial role in the field position battle.
Up Next
Tuskegee will return to the feel next week as they travel north to face off against Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET in the SIAC battle.
Follow the Golden Tigers
Stay connected with Tuskegee Football on Twitter and Instagram (@SkegeeFootball). For complete coverage of Tuskegee University athletics, follow on social media at @MyTUAthletics (Twitter/Instagram), @GoldenTigerSports on Facebook, and visit the official home of Tuskegee University athletics at
www.goldentigersports.com.
