Box Score Tuskegee, Ala.---In the season opening debut for first-year head coach Kevin Ramsey and the 2015 Panthers, Clark Atlanta University fell 26-0 to Tuskegee University Saturday at Alumni Stadium in Tuskegee, Alabama.
A new look offense for the Panthers controlled the time of possession in the game, 36:46 compared to 23:14 for Tuskegee, despite not putting points on the board. The Golden Tigers scored two touchdowns on their last two consecutive possessions in the first quarter, at the 5:50 and 3:40 mark, on a 46-yard quarterback run by Kevin Lacey and a one-yard run by running back Josh Matthews, respectively.
On a punt attempt, a CAU fumble in the end zone proved to be costly to open the second quarter as Tuskegee pounced on the ball for a Golden Tiger touchdown that extended its lead 20-0 after a successful two-point conversion. Turnovers plaque the Panthers, particularly in the second quarter, as quarterback Matthew Vincent threw his second pick on their opening drive. A strong defensive front, however, regained possession for the Panther offensive after a Tuskegee fumble. CAU could not find the back of the end zone as the Golden Tigers took a 20-point lead into the half.
Despite a missed field goal to open the third quarter, the Golden Tigers capitalized off a CAU interception on its first possession after Lacey connected with Leo Gilbert for a 10-yard touchdown that swelled their lead to 26. Tuskegee had some kicking woes in the game as CAU senior defensive back Joshua Tate blocked the second extra point attempt. CAU's defense held Tuskegee scoreless for the remainder of the game.
With a 94-yard drive that started on the Tuskegee two-yard line, the Panthers was stop short of the goal line on two attempts in the red zone from their own four to close out the game.
Junior running back Jaha McCray led CAU's ground attack with 40 yards on 11 carries while averaging 3.6 yards per run. Vincent, who finished 10-for-24, led a CAU offense that garnered 153 passing yards with 66 and split quarterback duties with newcomer Dashawn Blow who connected on 7-of-8 passes for 58 yards. The Panthers offense also tallied 14 first downs which were two more than Tuskegee's.
Defensively, Tate recorded a team-high seven tackles along with one interception and one pass breakup followed by Jaquatin Victrum with five solo tackles. Sophomore Deandre Jackson led the Panthers on special teams with 52 punt return yards on one attempt and 48 kick return yards. He finished with All-Purpose yards for the Panthers including 22 receiving yards.
Next, the Panthers will host Central State University in their HOME opener Saturday, September 12th, at 2 p.m., in Panther Stadium. General admission tickets are $10. It is Faculty and Staff Day and all CAU CAU Faculty and Staff members will get in FREE with CAU ID. Follow CAU Athletics on Twitter and Facebook at @CAUPANTHERS. Â
