Tusculum Listed in NCAA Football Statistics

Pioneers Tops in Nation in Seven Defensive Categories

The Tusculum College football team leads the nation in several statistical categories, including total defense and rushing defense according to this year’s first installment of the NCAA Division II statistics.

Tusculum (1-0) leads Division II in scoring defense (0.0 ppg), total defense (-100.0 ypg), rushing defense (-124.0 ypg), third down defense (0%), fourth down defense (0%), first down defense (2) and red zone defense (0%).

The Pioneers are also second in the country in pass defense (24.0 ypg), second in team tackles for loss (15.0 tpg), fourth in scoring offense (71.0 ppg), 12th in team passing efficiency defense (69.35), 21st in team passing efficiency (174.11), 30th in third down offense (50%) and 39th in turnover margin (+1.00).

Individually, senior receiver Johnathan Diliberto (Lexington, Ky.) is 12th in the country in touchdown receptions (2) and 33rd in scoring (12.0 ppg), while freshman Evan Altizer (Waxhaw, N.C.) is 15th in punt return average (16.0 ypr). Senior Justin Houston (Cleveland, Tenn.) is 15th in the country in kickoff return average (39.0 ypr), including his 65-yarder for a touchdown to open the game in last Thursday’s season-opener with the College of Faith.

Redshirt freshman kicker Jose Esparza (Dandridge, Tenn.) is 33rd in field goals made per game (1.00), while senior defensive lineman Caushaud Lyons is tied for 34th in sacks per game (1.00 spg). Marlon Joyner (Decatur, Ga.) is 34th in the land in sacks (1.00 spg) and 40th in tackles for loss per game 2.5 tpg). Ahlija Blake (Clover, S.C.) rounds out the report and is ranked 40th in tackles for loss (2.5 tpg).

In their opener, the Pioneers established a pair NCAA all division records as the Saints were limited to minus-100 yards in total defense, including minus-124 yards rushing. TC also recorded three safeties, which are tied for the most in a NCAA II contest.

The Pioneers are back in action this Saturday afternoon when they travel to Elizabeth City State University (0-1) for a 4 p.m. contest at Roebuck Stadium in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.