Benedict Tigers Shut Down Kentucky State In 18-0 Victory

FRANKFORT, Kentucky — Deveall McClendon rushed for a career-high 160 yards, and the Benedict Tigers held Kentucky State to just two yards rushing and 98 yards of total offense to close out the 2018 season with an 18-0 victory over the Thorobreds on Saturday.

McClendon rushed for 160 yards on 21 carries to become the first Tiger to cross the 100-yard mark since Trini Charlton rushed for 126 yards against Livingstone in the 2017 season opener. His 160 yards marks the most by a Tiger since George Myers Jr. rushed for 171 yards against Kentucky State two years ago. His previous career-high was 59 yards against Lane last season.

Benedict wraps up the season at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the SIAC. Kentucky State falls to 0-10 overall and 0-6 in the SIAC.

Tigers Shut Down Kentucky State In 18-0 Victory https://t.co/feN7VrLVBd

— BC Tigers Athletics (@benedict_tigers) November 4, 2018

The Tigers also put up a dominating defensive effort, holding the SIAC's second-ranked rushing offense to 2 net rushing yards. The Thorobreds gained 68 yards on 28 carries, but the Tigers recorded 10 tackles for loss for 59 yards, including four sacks for 10 yards. Two KSU quarterbacks were a combined 7-of-17 for 92 yards and one interception by Robert Cummings.

Benedict used the interception by Cummings to start an eight-play, 78-yard scoring drive, with Phillip Brown tossing a 19-yard touchdown pass to Danye Washington for Benedict's second touchdown.

Benedict's Rickym Holmes recovered a Kentucky State fumble at the KSU 4-yard line with 4:45 left to play in the second quarter. After a pair of runs by McClendon, Brown scored from one-yard out on a quarterback sneak for the game's first score. Rigoberto Tinoco missed the PAT attempt for a 6-0 lead.

The Thorobreds returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards, but their drive lasted just two plays before Cummings picked off Paul Campbell. The Tigers marched down the field, with McClendon picking up a 31-yard carry and KaDarius Garrett reeling off a 14-yard run. On third down from the 19, Brown threw a pass to Washington. The PAT failed again and the Tigers took the 12-0 lead into the half.

Early in the third quarter, Cummings forced a fumble after the Thorobreds completed a 30-yard pass, and Amari Andrews recovered.

In the fourth quarter, Kentucky State was putting together its best drive of the game, moving to the Benedict 18-yard line. Charles Williams sacked Campbell for a 12-yard loss and forced a fumble. Matthew Anthony recovered the loose ball and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown and an 18-0 lead.

The Tigers set records for fewest yards allowed rushing (2) and fewest yards of total offense (94) in coach Mike White's four seasons at Benedict.

BOX SCORE

ATTENDANCE: 1400

Charles Williams led the defense with eight total tackles and the one forced fumble. The Tigers forced four turnovers, with three forced fumbles and the one interception.

BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS