Tennessee State’s modest two-game winning streak has been inspired by the ski mask.
In consecutive wins, the Tigers defense has tallied five fumble recoveries, including a pair against Charleston Southern and three more in a 24-20 win at Lindenwood.
The effort has been led by defensive backs Boogie Trotter and Jordan Helton, who each had a fumble recovery against Lindenwood.
The success in creating the specific type of turnover has long been emphasized by head coach Eddie George.
He and the assistant coaches discuss various techniques for taking the ball away from ball carriers. There is the tomahawk chop maneuver, the punch, and simply strong-arming the pigskin from offensive players.
It all derives from a video George received in 2022 from then-Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel labeled “The Ski Mask Way.”
“We talk about it. We preach on different techniques how to punch the ball out,” said George, who described one tactic as “the pick-pocket.”
“I’m constantly reminding them in practice to work on their technique to punch the ball out no matter what.”
So far, instructing the defense to behave like thieves has worked. The Tigers are tied for No. 1 in the FCS with Alcorn State and Central Connecticut State with eight fumble recoveries through Week 6.
“We’re getting better at it,” George said. “We are starting to see it pay off.”
