Tuskegee winning 10 games in consecutive seasons and capturing the SIAC West division was not good enough for the Golden Tigers if you ask head coach Willie Slater.
Tuskegee, after winning its first-round playoff game, was humbled 35-6 by West Georgia in the Division II quarterfinals. [easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”y” identifier=”B01KKXKA9M” locale=”US” tag=”hbcusports-20″]
The Golden Tigers will rely on the strength of the defense to forge another division championship led by linebacker Osband Thompson and defensive linemen Allante Smith and Devonta Ramseur whom will replace playmaker Jewell Ratliff. In the secondary, junior Jonah McCutcheon is back after leading the team with seven interceptions
But more than likely, Tuskegee’s fate will rest on the shoulders of senior quarterback Kevin Lacey, who threw for 1,950 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. He is one of 10 preseason All-SIAC conference selections.
The loss of Dennis Norfleet, Kenno Loyal and Tyree Brooks at running back will hurt only if Brandon Wilson, Jerome Lewis and Chris Carroll aren’t able to make up for the missing production.
With just three true home games during the regular season, the road to another SIAC West division crown figures to be difficult, but Tuskegee historically doesn’t taper off from year-to-year regardless of roster composition.
