Football preview: Wingate at Tusculum

By Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

Thursday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.
Pioneer Field, Greeneville, Tenn.

TV: FSN South (Time Warner Ch. 40 locally)

Last Season
In last year’s game Wingate made a goal line stand late in the fourth quarter to hold off Tusculum, 37-33, at Irwin Belk Stadium. The Bulldogs were able to limit the damage that 2008 South Atlantic Conference male athlete of the year Corey Russell caused while scoring just enough points for the win. Tusculum would finish 9-4 and advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Last Week
Wingate was off. On Sept. 12, the Bulldogs lost to UNC Pembroke 24-13.

Tusculum traveled to Urbana, Ohio, to take on the Urbana University Blue Knights. In an offensive shootout, the Pioneers were victorious 45-35, racking up 478 yards in passing offense.

Who has the edge?

When Wingate has the ball

The Pioneers defense has not done its job in the first three games of the season, as Tusculum’s opponents are averaging 514 yards of offense. While Wingate has been inconsistent on offense thus far, the Pioneers defense hasn’t been able to put much of a fight against anyone. If the Bulldogs can score touchdowns on drives early on, they should be in business. Advantage: Wingate

When Tusculum has the ball

For all of their defensive troubles, Tusculum has an offense that can put up a ton of points in a hurry. The Pioneers average nearly 29 points a game and pile up an average of 410 yards of offense. Although Russell is gone, Tusculum still relies heavily on the passing attack, as quarterback Bo Cordell has racked up 1,132 yards passing in the first three games. The Pioneers have yet to have a back run for 100 total yards all season. Wingate has to shut down the Pioneer passing attack and force them to run the ball. The Bulldogs defense has been good, only allowing an average of 18 points all year. If Tusculum cannot successfully throw the ball, they will have a hard time scoring points. Advantage: Wingate

Special Teams
Wingate punter Phillip Hilliard has been an unsung hero all season. Hilliard has averaged 40 yards a punt this season, with his longest being a 76-yard missile against North Greenville. It is helpful to have a weapon that can lengthen the field for the opponent, and it seems as if the Bulldogs have that in Hilliard. Perry Floyd has also helped the Bulldog cause this year, as he has averaged 14 yards on punt returns and 24 yards on kickoff returns. The only thing Floyd hasn’t done yet is take a punt or kickoff all the way. I have to believe that he will do so before the end of the season.

Tusculum also is strong at the special teams positions. Punter John Gregory has averaged 41 yards a punt, and kicker Gareth Rowlands is 4-of-5 with field goals, including a successful 52 yard try. No matter what level of college play, that is an impressive feat. If the game is close at the end and Tusculum has the ball, one has to believe that Rowlands is going to get a shot to win it. Both teams are about equal on special teams, but Rowlands sets Tusculum over the top. Advantage: Tusculum

Intangibles

While Wingate had last week off, the Pioneers had to make a six hour and 55 minute ride to Urbana. While it was a noon kickoff, the game was not an easy win for the Pioneers. This is significant because guys who may have gotten part of the game off had to go the distance to ensure the win. Wingate will be the fresher team, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see some Tusculum players gassed toward the end of the game.

Although Pioneer Field will be a hostile environment, Wingate has already played a tough road game this season at UNC Pembroke. Both teams will need to control their emotions and not let the excitement of playing on national television rattle them. Whichever team wins the turnover battle will have a very good chance of winning. Both coaches have been around for a while, so they will know how to prepare their teams for such an important game. Advantage: Equal

Prediction
Wingate is the better team on paper, but this is really a matchup that could go either way. I think the game will remain close for the first half, but Wingate will be able to pull away in the second half and win a key conference opener because of the strength of their defense. Wingate will have to win five or six out of seven conference games to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs. The quest for a postseason berth should get off to a good start tonight. Wingate 35, Tusculum 21.