COLUMBIA, S.C. -
Preston Parker's punt return for a touchdown gave Tuskegee a cushion and the defense got the final stop in the final seconds to help the Golden Tigers take a 26-23 win over Allen Saturday afternoon at Charles F. Bolden Stadium. The win was the second straight for Tuskegee (4-4, 4-2 SIAC) and keeps it in the running for a spot in the SIAC title game.
Tuskegee held a scant two-point lead midway through the fourth quarter before Parker fielded a punt at midfield and raced 50 yards for a score to give TU a 26-17 lead with 6:47 to go. Allen responded as as Demetri Simmons scored on a two-yard touchdown run with 2:07 remaining to make it 26–23.
The Golden Tigers get the ball back in hopes of running out the clock. But the Yellow Jackets (2-6, 1-5) forced a punt and had one last opportunity with 58 seconds left to at least force overtime with a field goal. But after a couple of first down, Tuskegee dropped anchor and short-circuited the comeback attempt. Four straight tries from the TU 33 fell flat, with
Tyranny McGowan and
Denard Johnson breaking up passes on the final two plays to force the turnover on downs and allow quarterback
Bryson McGrew to run out the clock on the next play.
Tuskegee established early control, scoring twice in the first quarter to take a 13–0 lead.
Ja'Khael Rowser opened the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run, and McGrew connected with E.J. Hall on a 40-yard touchdown pass later in the quarter.
Lorcan Ryans would connect on a 33-yard field goal inside the final minute of the second quarter to give the Golden Tigers a 16-7 lead at halftime.
Ja'Morian Phillips scored on a two-yard run to help Allen close the gap early in the third quarter. Ryans would open the fourth quarter with a 26-yard field goal and Allen would answer with its own to keep the contest close at 19-17 with 10:23 remaining before Parker's big play.
Rowser led Tuskegee on the ground with 131 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. The defense had five sacks and an interception by
Quincy Crawford. Devan Smith had a team-high eight tackles and 1.5 sacks,
Braylon Jessie had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, and McGowan had six tackles and 1.5 sacks.
The Golden Tigers are back in action next Saturday when they travel to face Lane. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
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