Tuskegee blanks Central State on homecoming

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University football team celebrated its 93rd edition of homecoming Saturday afternoon with a 45-0 win over Central State from Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Stadium

Jonah McCutcheon intercepted a Trent Mays pass on Central State's (1-8, 0-5) opening drive starting a trio of first quarter trips to the end zone. Four plays after the forced turnover, Justice Owens scored the first TU touchdown on six yard run. Three minutes later, DeNadio Madison stripped CSU quarterback Mays and Kali James recovered and returned 33 yards making the score 14-0. Hoderick Lowe capped off the opening quarter scoring with a two yard run of his own, putting the Golden Tigers ahead 21-0.

On the first drive of the second quarter and backed up in their own end zone, Jarmarcus Ezell connected with Peyton Ramzy for a 94-yard touchdown strike on 2nd and 40 expanding TU's lead to 28-0. Dalton Hall tacked on a 25 yar field goal just before the break creating a 31-0 lead for the Golden Tigers.

The 31 first half points marked a season high and the most since TU's home opener against Clark Atlanta.



A heavy onslaught of rain entered East Alabama at the midway point of the game and continued through the start of the second half. Tuskegee's (7-2, 5-0) offense continued to click as they drove 58 yards on six plays capped off with a 19-yard touchdown run by Owens. His second of the game.

In a reserved role, Ahmad Deramus scored the final touchdown, punching one in from the one yard line in the final quarter with 9:45 left to play.

Osband Thompson led a stout defense with 11 tackles including a deflected pass and an interception. The Mauraders were held to 237 yards of total offense. The Golden Tigers racked 497 yards of total offense. A season high. Ezell passed for 189 yards completing 6-of-12 passes and one touchdown. Lowe rushed for 86 yards on 10 carries along with a score.

TU outrushed CSU 233 to 133 and also scored on five out of their seven red zone opportunities.

The Golden Tigers can clinch the West Division next Saturday with win over Miles College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with live audio coverage on the Tuskegee Digital Network at 12:45 p.m. The division battle can also be seen via live stream on ESPN3.

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