TUSKEGEE, Ala. – The Tuskegee University football team continues its push toward a potential SIAC title as they prepare to face Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio, on Saturday, October 26, at 1 p.m. ET at McPherson Stadium.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Oct. 26
Time: 1 p.m. (ET)
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio (McPherson Stadium)
Watch Live: Golden Tiger Sports Network (YouTube)
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
SERIES HISTORY
Series: Tuskegee leads 9-1-0
First Meeting: Tuskegee, W, 41-10 (2013)
Last Meeting: Tuskegee, W, 27-21 (2023)
Longest Win Streak: Tuskegee, 5, (2013-2017)
Most TU Points: 49 (2022)
Most CSU Points: 34 (2022)
Most Combined Points: 83 (2022)
Biggest TU Win: 45-0 (2017)
Biggest CSU Win: 40-36 (2018)
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (4-3, 4-1 SIAC)
The Golden Tigers' offense has been hitting its stride over the past month, combining a potent rushing attack with an efficient passing game.
Quarterback
Raequan Beal has emerged as a key playmaker, completing 11-for-18 passes for a season-high 253 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win over Kentucky State. Beal has thrown for 1,006 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season, showcasing a growing chemistry with wide receiver Quavo Beckford, who has eight receptions for 250 yards and four touchdowns over the last two games.
The rushing attack has been led by a committee of backs, including leading rushers
Johnny Morris and
Desmond Leverette. Morris has amassed 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season, while Leverette has 206 yards on 45 rushes.
Chase Sellers and
Renoldo Spivey Jr. have also provided contributions, as Sellers has 196 yards on the year and scored his second score in the Kentucky State win, while Spivey Jr. has 166 yards and rushed nine times for 52 yards and scored his first touchdown last week.
The running game has been bolstered by strong offensive line play, allowing Tuskegee to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. Overall, Tuskegee's offense is averaging 26.1 points per game, a number that has steadily risen over the course of their winning streak.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tuskegee has been relentless, especially in their ability to create turnovers and make game-changing plays. Linebacker
Kaquan Kimber has been a standout, leading the defense with 45 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss and a sack.
Kimber's 93-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown last week was a defining moment in the win over Kentucky State.
Charles Davis Jr. also had a big game against the Thorobreds, with a season-high 13 tackles for his 41 total stops so far.
Malik Moore has also been a key contributor, recording two sacks and six tackles in the Kentucky State game.
Tuskegee's defensive front has been particularly effective at stopping the run, holding opponents to just 96.1 rushing yards per game. Their ability to get pressure on the quarterback has been another strength, with 15 sacks on the season. The secondary has been solid as well, limiting big plays and helping Tuskegee maintain its edge in games.
For the Golden Tigers, a win against Central State would further solidify their position as one of the top teams in the SIAC, with aspirations of competing for a conference championship. With a 4-1 record in conference play, Tuskegee is in the driver's seat, and maintaining their winning streak will be key as they approach the final stretch of the season.
ABOUT CENTRAL STATE (1-5, 1-4 SIAC)
Central State, on the other hand, has had a challenging season, entering the game with a 1-6 overall record and 1-4 mark in SIAC play. The Marauders have shown flashes of potential but have struggled to put together complete performances.
Last week, Central State dropped a close 27-24 contest to Lane College, despite a solid outing from quarterback Kendall Boney, who threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Boney will once again be Central State's key player to watch, as he can make plays with both his arm and legs.
The Marauders' offense has been inconsistent, averaging just 14.2 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Guy Dorsey, has been their most reliable asset, with Dorsey scoring a touchdown in each of the last two games. However, Central State has struggled to protect their quarterback, allowing seven sacks in last week's loss to Lane.
Defensively, Central State has been able to create pressure, evidenced by their seven sacks against Lane. However, their pass defense has been vulnerable, allowing opponents to exploit the secondary for big plays. The Marauders are giving up 26.9 points per game, and their defense will need to play a near-flawless game to slow down Tuskegee's balanced offensive attack.
The Marauders will be looking to pull off a major upset and gain momentum as they head into the final portion of their schedule. Despite their struggles, the Marauders have shown they can compete in close games and will be motivated to defend their home field.
This matchup is shaping up to be a pivotal contest, as Tuskegee looks to keep their hot streak alive while Central State seeks to turn their season around. Both teams will be bringing their best efforts in what promises to be an exciting SIAC battle in Wilberforce.
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www.goldentigersports.com.