The Clark Atlanta University Panthers rallied after falling behind early, and even outgained Tuskegee throughout the game, but had a rash of turnovers in losing lost their first game of the season, 30-16 on the road to the Golden Tigers.

The Panthers (2-1, 1-1 SIAC) fell behind 16-0 in the first quarter after CAU's Johnathon McCrary threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, a bad snap on a CAU punt led to a safety, and DeAndre Jackson fumbled a punt that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.

The Panthers then answered with two Carlos Saldana field goals and a 28-yard McCrary touchdown pass to Jackson that pulled them within three at 16-13.  Tuskegee (2-1, 1-1) scored on the next drive, on a 1-yard TD plunge by Eric Bright, to put them up 23-13 going into the half.

The Tuskegee defense clamped down, not allowing CAU back into the end zone while continuing to force turnovers.  In all, CAU turned the ball over five times, including four fumbles.

The Panthers had more first downs than Tuskegee (11-9) and outgained the Golden Tigers 213 yards to 199.  The CAU defense forced seven Tuskegee punts.

CAU was led by McCrary, who had 155 yards and a touchdown passing and also rushed for 39 yards.  Jaquatin Victrum and Kenneth Morgan each had seven tackles for the Panthers, with Victrum getting a sack and Morgan recovering a fumble. Saldana had three field goals. 

Osband Thompson led the Tuskegee defense with 11 tackles and two fumble recoveries while Davoris Thompson had ten tackles, 1.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.

Clark Atlanta is back on the road next Saturday when they take on Lane College at 2 p.m. CST in Jackson, Tenn.