TUSKEGEE WINS 26^TH SIAC FOOTBALL TITLE
Harry "Trae" Stinson III
11/12/07

TUSKEGEE WINS 26^TH SIAC FOOTBALL TITLE

 

Tucker, GA – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Commissioner Dr. William E. Lide, would like to announce Tuskegee University as the coveted SIAC Football Champion for the 2^nd consecutive year and their 26^th overall time in SIAC History.

Tuskegee continued their winning streak from last year and currently stands at 14 straight victories en route to a perfect season 10-0 thus far and a chance to win their 600^th victory by seasons end, currently they stand on 599.  Dominating defensive play and a very lethal offensive attack led to the perfect record for the Golden Tigers.  Tuskegee leads the conference in 20 of 33 statistical categories and is second in the nation in rushing defense, scoring defense, and team passing efficiency. Tuskegee was also eighth in the nation in total offense, averaging 500 yards of Total Offensive Yards per game and third in the nation in total defense allowing just 202 yards per game.  Tuskegee averaged 40.9 points per game and allowed just 9.0 points per game as they dominated the SIAC.

The offense for Tuskegee was led by 1^st year starter, QB Jacary Atkins, who is a candidate for 1^st Team All Conference, Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.  Atkins led Division II and the SIAC in Passing Efficiency, led the SIAC in Passing Yards and Total Offense.  Jacary passed for 2,212 yards and 24 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions.  He also rushed for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns.  The defense was led by LB Jonathan Harris who had 54 tackles and 1.0 sacks.  Coach Willie Slater in his second season as Head Coach has dominated thus far with an overall record of 20-2 and has put the team in position to win its 600^th win vs. either Alabama State during the Turkey Day Classic on November 22 or against the CIAA representative in the Pioneer Bowl.

SIAC Commissioner, Dr. William E. Lide commented on the success of Tuskegee stating “We are pleased to announce you as SIAC Champion for the 2^nd consecutive year.  This is a true testament that you get out of your program what you put in it and that athletics at Tuskegee is a major component in the total experience a student receives when they attend your institution.  We are thrilled that your program has excelled and has reached a pinnacle of excellence.  Many teams in the conference stepped their game up making this a tough hard fought season for all teams in the SIAC, which makes this SIAC title a true testament to the level of competitiveness within the SIAC.  Congratulations and good luck to you in Pioneer Bowl X.”

Tuskegee also earns their 8^th appearance in the Pioneer Bowl and will now awaits the decision on their CIAA opponent.  The Golden Tigers will be formally recognized as the SIAC Champion at the annual SIAC Football Awards Banquet during the Pioneer Bowl Festivities on November 29, 2007, 12:30 pm at the Embassy Suites in Columbia, SC (Invitation Only).