Pioneer Bowl: Tuskegee and Elizabeth State both showcased big-time running backs

COLUMBUS, Georgia  --  Saturday's Pioneer Bowl at A.J. McClung's stadium was the final collegiate game for both Elizabeth City State's DaRonte McNeil and Tuskegee's Derrick Washington.

But it might not be the last time you see the star running backs do their thing. There's chance each of them could be selected in April's NFL draft and an even better chance they get invited to camp to audition for a roster spot if they aren't chosen.

Despite finishing their careers at Division II schools, both are Division I talents.

McNeil, who finished with 147 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries to help lead the Vikings to a 28-13 victory, began his career at East Carolina.

At chiseled 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, he certainly possesses the physique to bang with the big boys.

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Pioneer Bowl: Big strip turns sure touchdown into touchback in Tuskegee's 28-13 loss to Elizabeth City State

COLUMBUS, Georgia---Derrick Washington had done the hard part on the third quarter handoff.

The 6-foot, 215-pound Tuskegee running back had burst through Elizabeth City State's defensive line, made his move and accelerated beyond the Vikings' secondary.

There was nothing between him and six points but grass. But he let off the gas pedal at the 1-yard line where defensive back Josh Brooks chased him down from behind and knocked the ball away to force a touchback on what would've been a 69-yard touchdown in the Golden Tigers' 28-13 loss in the Pioneer Bowl at A.J. McClung Stadium Saturday .

"I slowed down. That's my fault," Washigton said. "I think that was the big momentum swing in the game right there and that's all one me. I should've just sprinted to the end zone. I could've eased up and coasted and he came and popped it out right at the 1. It was a good play."

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2-Minute Drill: Elizabeth City State 28, Tuskegee 13 (Pioneer Bowl)


WHY ELIZABETH CITY STATE WON

Elizabeth City State forced three turnovers and did what hardly anybody had anyone had done against Tuskegee--ran the football. The Vikings racked up 227 yards on the ground against the Tigers, the most the SIAC's stoutest defense gave up all season.

KEY MOMENT

Elizabeth City State defensive back Josh Brooks' strip of Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington at the 1-yard line erased what would've been a 69-yard touchdown and changed the complexion of the game. Vikings' running back DaRonte McNeil's 44-yard touchdown with 4:38 to play put Elizabeth City State in the driver's seat.


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