TUSKEGEE, Ala. – In a night that will forever be remembered in Tuskegee University football history, the Golden Tigers delivered a dominant performance in their first-ever home night game, shutting out Central State 34-0 on Saturday evening at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium.
Under the bright lights and in front of an electric home crowd, Tuskegee rose to the occasion on both sides of the ball to improve to 2-0 on the season.
From the opening kickoff, the atmosphere inside Abbott Memorial was unmatched. Fans filled the stands hours before kickoff to witness the historic moment, and the Golden Tigers gave them a performance worthy of the occasion.
Quarterback
Raequan Beal, fresh off his Red Tails Classic MVP performance, continued his strong play, throwing for 226 yards and two scores, showcasing poise and leadership while orchestrating an efficient offensive attack. He connected on multiple explosive plays, spreading the ball across a balanced receiving unit, while the running backs helped power Tuskegee on the ground in the contest.
Defensively, the Golden Tigers delivered a statement performance, completely stifling the Marauders' offense.
Tuskegee's defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage, holding Central State to under 225 total yards and forcing multiple three-and-outs throughout the game. Linebackers
Devon Irving Jr. and
Kaquan Kimber led the way, flying to the football and setting the tone with physicality and discipline. Kimber also added a 88-yard fumble return after a strip sack from
DeMarcus Wynn in the fourth quarter.
The special teams unit also made a significant impact. Kicker
Lorcan Ryans continued his reliable start to the season, converting a pair of field goals, while the punt team repeatedly flipped field position, keeping Central State pinned deep in their own territory.
Tuskegee struck first in the opening quarter and never looked back, scoring on its first two possessions to take control early.
The offense found its stride for good in the third quarter, with Beal connecting on a perfectly placed 66-yard touchdown strike to
EJ Hall to extend the lead.
Later in the half,
Johnny Morris broke loose for a key drive-sparking run, setting up another scoring opportunity with an 8-yard touchdown catch from
Malik Thomas as the Golden Tigers pulled away. By the fourth quarter, the Abbott Memorial crowd was on its feet, roaring as Tuskegee's defense preserved the shutout.
Saturday night's victory not only secured Tuskegee's second consecutive win of the season but also marked a historic milestone for the program. The installation of permanent stadium lighting at Abbott Memorial, made possible through a partnership with Alabama Power, allowed the Golden Tigers to host night games for the first time in school history. The occasion carried additional weight as generations of Tuskegee supporters celebrated a new era for Golden Tiger football.
"This was a historic night for Tuskegee University, our football program, and our entire community," said Head Coach
Aaron James. "To see our fans pack the stadium, to play under the lights for the first time, and to deliver a performance like this, it's something we'll never forget. But we also know this is just the beginning, and we still have a lot of work to do."
With the win, Tuskegee improves to 2-0 heading into next week's out of conference matchup, as the Golden Tigers hit the road to take on SWAC opponent Jackson State.
For the fans who witnessed history, the night was about more than just the score, it was about the tradition, pride, and progress. Under the lights at Abbott Memorial, a new chapter of Golden Tiger football began, and it began with a statement.
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