Tuskegee Wins Pioneer Bowl IX, 17-7
Dec. 2, 2006
Johnson C. Smith University (7-4), playing in their first bowl game since the 1941 season were defeated by the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University, 17-7 in Pioneer Bowl IX played at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. It would take the final play of the game for senior wide receiver Marquis Belton to accomplish yet another feat and etch his name in the record books forever. Belton was limited to just two catches for a mere 10 yards. However, those 10 yards were just enough to push him past Craig Brown for the all-time pass-receiver record. Belton ends his career with 162 receptions for 2,592 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The first half was a tale of penalties and pretty stout defense between both teams. With the score at 3-0 in favor of Tuskegee, the Bulls started to move the ball in the second quarter. On Smith's first drive in the quarter, the Bulls had a third and one situation. Quarterback Carlton Richardson rushed the ball to what appeared to be enough for the first down but the officials thought differently. Again, Richardson attempted to move the chains (4th-and-1) and again, the officials declined that thought.
Finally, in the third quarter, some offense was ignited. In JCSU's case, the defense was their greatest offense. On a first down situation for Tuskegee at their own 42-yard line, quarterback Kevin Huff fumbled which was forced by Ed Wilson. Huff eventually recovered the ball. On the very next play, senior Omar Bizzell forced another fumble by Huff this time it was recovered by junior linebacker Fred Williams who returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, the Bulls first and only score of the day.
Though JCSU was held to a mere 88 yards of total offense compared to 293 for the Golden Tigers, some questionable officiating could have swung the momentum in either direction.
In the fourth quarter, with the game at close 10-7, Tuskegee began to drive the ball. However, with the ball at the JCSU 35-yard line, on a 2nd-and-20, the Bulls were called for a very questionable pass interference in the end-zone giving Tuskegee more life at the Smith 20-yard line. Three plays and 20 yards later, Tuskegee found themselves in the end-zone, swelling the lead to 17-7 with 5:44 remaining in the contest and as the saying goes: the rest is history.
The JCSU defense which has been stellar all season long, displayed nothing different this afternoon. Steven Williams, had an outstanding game as he recorded 10 tackles (4 solo, 6 assisted) one fumble recovery returned for six yards, one interception and one blocked punt. Wilson, the nation's leader in tackles once again led the defensive charge with 12 tackles, one for a loss of a yard and a forced fumble. Williams was named the JCSU's most valuable player while Wilson was named the game's most valuable defensive player.
"We had a great season," said a disgruntled yet somber head coach Daryl McNeill. "I am so proud of our kids and especially Marquis. He is a great young man and I wish all of our seniors well."
Offensively, Richardson completed 6 of 17 passes for 54 yards. He had one interception in the game.
It is back to the drawing boards for the coaching staff as they regroup and try to replace 16 seniors.
Notes of interest:
Omar Bizzell's 7 tackles pushed him over the 100 tackle mark for the season
Donja' Goodson ends his career as the 5th all-time leading passer with 331 completions, 4,383 yards, 29 touchdowns, 35 interceptions
