Pioneer Bowl IX
Tuskegee 17, Johnson C. Smith 7

December 2, 2006

Tuskegee overcame a stout defensive effort from Johnson C. Smith to defeat the Golden Bulls, 17-7, in Pioneer Bowl IX.

After winning the coin toss, the Golden Tigers immediately took control of the game, driving 62 yards in 13 plays on their first possession. Successive tackles for loss and a holding penalty on the final three plays stalled the drive and Roosevelt Echeverry kicked a 23-yard field goal to give Tuskegee a 3-0 lead.

JCSU's defense held TU to three-and-out on its next three possessions but the Golden Tigers put together an 8-play, 67-yard drive ending with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Huff to Jason English with 1:48 remaining. Tuskegee took a 10-0 lead into the locker room at half time.

The Golden Bulls only score came early in the third quarter when Fred Williams picked up a Huff fumble and ran 29 yards to the end zone, cutting the deficit to 10-7.

Huff, named MVP of the game, found Jacary Atkinson on a 14-yard TD pass at 5:59 in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.

Despite three turnovers and 70 yards in penalties, Tuskegee's defense shut down JCSU, allowing only 88 yards in total offense. The Golden Bulls only converted one of twelve third down attempts and never advanced beyond Tuskegee's 29 yard line.

Huff finished the day completing just nine of 22 passes for 120 yards but two of his completions were for touchdowns.

Golden Bull linebacker Ed Wilson was the top defender on the day with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.

Tuskegee is now undefeated in two Charlotte Pioneer Bowl appearances and 5-2 overall in the only bowl game featuring HBCUs. They finish their first season under new head coach Willie Slater at 9-3.

Johnson C. Smith finishes its 2006 campaign at 7-4.