Sunday, September 10, 2017

Albany State Defense Dominant in 2017 Win Over Tuskegee Golden Tigers

PHENIX CITY, Alabama -- Albany State University captured their first win in seven seasons over Tuskegee University with a convincing 20-7 triumph Saturday afternoon at the Fourth Annual White Water Classic.

ASU's last victory over the Golden Tigers was in the 2010 season, where the Golden Rams came away with a 34-6 win.

In Saturday's outing Albany State rolled up 462 yards of total offense on 68 plays and controlled the game's pace with nearly 46 minutes in time of possession. Comparatively Tuskegee's time of possession totaled just over 16 minutes and they only managed 27 plays from scrimmage.

The Golden Tigers' brightest moment came on their first drive of the game. After ASU's game opening drive (11 plays, 7:25 of clock) came up empty with a missed field goal, facing third and one, Tuskegee's Hoderick Lowe broke loose for a 71 yard scamper to the end zone and a 7-0 lead at the 5:59 mark.



Unfortunately for Tuskegee fans, that touchdown would be their lone visit to the end zone and accounted for one of their two first downs on the afternoon.

The Golden Rams' defense was stingily brilliant the rest of the way, denying Tuskegee any chance at any offensive rhythm or productivity. Aside from the opening drive (Lowe's TD run), the Golden Rams did not allow Tuskegee across the 50-yard line the rest of the contest and forced three and outs on six of their final seven possessions.

The Golden Tigers finished the night with just 119 yards of total offense. Marquez Thomas was ASU's leader on defense with 6 tackles including a sack for a loss of 8 yards.

Jalen Bush's 13 yard touchdown reception from Chancellor Johnson with 12:54 left in the first half capped a 12 play, 87 yard drive to knot the game at 7 apiece. The Golden Rams pulled in front with 1:39 left in the second quarter when another drive, this one 78 yards on 16 plays, ended with another TD pass from Johnson, this time to Quadrey Simmons from 21 yards out. The extra point attempt missed its mark but ASU took a 13-7 lead into the locker room.

BOX SCORE

As the defense kept TU at bay, the Golden Rams put the game away near the close of the third quarter on a 26 yard TD hookup from Johnson to Mike Green.
Johnson had a nearly perfect passing day going 20 of 21 for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Green hauled in 7 catches for 100 yards and McKinley Habersham had all positive yards with 23 carries for 144 yards.

Albany State (2-0, SIAC 1-0) will return to action for a non-conference tilt against North Greenville University on Saturday, September 16 at ASU Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

Visit www.asugoldenrams.com for more information on Albany State University Athletics.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

No comments: