Wednesday, September 19, 2007

TUSCULUM LISTED IN NCAA FOOTBALL STATISTICS

INDIANAPOLIS --- The Tusculum College football team leads the nation in fumbles recovered according to this week's NCAA Division II statistics announced College officials Wednesday.

The Pioneers (1-3) have recovered eight fumbles this season, including three last Saturday in a 69-0 win over Saint Paul's College. Tusculum is listed in eight team categories and five individual statistics.

The Tusculum defense has forced 13 turnovers overall, which are the second most in the land, along with the five interceptions they have made (20^th in NCAA II).

The Pioneers are also 16^th in sacks (3.75 spg), 40^th in total defense (291.0 ypg), 41^st in pass efficiency defense (102.9) 43^rd in scoring offense (32.5 ppg) and 48^th in total offense (384.3 ypg).

Junior quarterback Corey Russell is listed twice in this week's statistics. The Speedwell, Tenn. native is 21^st in total passing yards (755) and 47^th in total offense per game (222.3 ypg). Sophomore Ryan Tallent (Maryville, Tenn.) is 26^th in the nation averaging six receptions per game, while junior Brandon Dixon (Brunswick, Ga.) is 36^th averaging 26.3 yards per kickoff return.

Sophomore punter John Gregory (Ooltewah, Tenn.) is 23^rd in the nation averaging 39.9 yards per punt. Gregory, who was named the South Atlantic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, averaged 48.8 yards on his four attempts in last Saturday's win over Saint Paul's College.

Tusculum, who is idle this week, will host Wingate University on Sep. 29 in the SAC opener for both teams.

- NCAA -