Taken by Carlo Catalan
There is nothing like a Homecoming Saturday at Tuskegee University. The atmosphere of the crowd and the chants of the student section makes for an unforgettable experience. Despite the annual celebration of alumni, the Golden Tigers football team has to take to the field for a serious matter.
The undefeated Golden Tigers are nearing the end of their season in a quest for a trip to the SIAC Football Championship game and their fourth consecutive NCAA Playoff berth. The Golden Tigers are ranked 5th in the nation which marks the highest ranking in school history. The Golden Tigers will be playing a familiar foe with Kentucky State returning to the Homecoming game slot. This will be a SIAC West divisional game and the start of the divisional game stretch for the Golden Tigers.
Dating back to 1925, the Golden Tigers have faced the Thorobreds 23 times and lead the series 17-9. Out of those 23 meetings they have only met four times for a Tuskegee Homecoming game. Their most recent matchup in 2014 led to a Golden Tigers win of 38-9–tacking on to their winning streak of 36 plus points against the Thorobreds in the last 3 matchups.
The Golden Tigers are currently in one of the best seasons in school history. Ranking seventh in passing yards, fifth in passing efficiency, fourth in total defense, seventh in rushing defense, 11th in scoring defense and 1st in 4th down percentage, Tuskegee is looking superb. Going into Saturday’s game the Golden Tigers are facing a team who holds the bottom half of every defensive statistic that the Golden Tigers lead in.
With the Golden Tigers being the team to beat in the SIAC, Kentucky State is going to come in looking to upset the Golden Tigers phenomenal season along with the Homecoming celebration. One important thing the Golden Tigers need to do is keep hold of the ball. Over the last two games the team has had 9 fumbles while losing 5 of those to turnovers. If the Golden Tigers can manage to keep that under control, then things should be fine on the offensive side of the ball.
A win on Saturday may be the deal breaker in earning the school’s second playoff game at home. Come out on Saturday for a 1 o’clock kickoff at Cleve Abbot Memorial Stadium, and enjoy the Homecoming festivities and what may be the final home game of the year. For those that can’t make it this game can also be viewed on the Tuskegee Digital Network .