Tiffin University hits the road for a conference road game at Lake Erie.
Posted: Oct 12, 2023
Tiffin University (6-0, 4-0 G-MAC) travels to Lake Erie (1-5, 0-4) for another conference matchup Oct. 14 at 4:00 pm.
In their last meeting, Tiffin used numerous big plays on special teams and defense to separate itself from Lake Erie, winning 52-27 on Homecoming Day Oct. 1, 2022. The game started as a shootout, with both teams combining for 42 points in the first 19 minutes of action. Tiffin's defense only allowed 6 points over the final 40 minutes of play, dominating play with 3 sacks and 2 interceptions while also holding Lake Erie to just 4 for 13 on third-down conversions.
Overall TU holds a 7-3 record in their history. They have not lost against the Storm since 2013 and have outscored them in that stretch 293-135. They are 6-0 over that stretch. They have won 7 of their last 8 games against the Storm.
LAKE ERIE NOTES
Lake Erie posts a 1-5 record overall and 0-4 in the G-MAC, with its only victory coming against Northern Michigan, 24-21, in the second game of the season. Most recently, the Storm took a 41-17 defeat to Ohio Dominican on the road.
LAKE ERIE OFFENSE
• Lake Erie's offense ranks last in the conference in points scored per game at 14.0, however, they rank eighth in yards per game with 291.2. It is a pass-heavy offense that ranks sixth in the G-MAC in passing yards per game.
• The offense is led by Xeavier Bullock who has amassed 1,154 yards passing with a 48.3 completion percentage and has tallied five touchdowns and six interceptions.
• Bullock is a dual-threat quarterback who also leads the team in rushing with 237 yards on 69 attempts and two rushing touchdowns. Corey Polk is the short-yardage back for the Storm with a team-high three rushing touchdowns. Keed Kpoto is second in rushing yards with 149, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
• Jovohn Tucker is Lake Erie's number one wideout, leading the team in receptions (30), receiving yards (566), and receiving touchdowns (3). He is followed by Tony Edwards and Koraun Perdue each with 172 yards.
LAKE ERIE DEFENSE
• The Storm rank as the worst defensive team in the G-MAC, allowing 38.5 points per game and 429.3 yards per game as well.
• Linebacker Jorge Sanchez leads Lake Erie in total tackles and is second in the conference with 54. He has also recorded the only two interceptions for the Storm defense so far this season.
• The secondary is led by defensive back Ronnel Lackey and safety Cameren Grodhaus with 35 and 31 tackles respectively. Euvoski Cunningham follows close behind with 29 tackles and a team-high two pass breakups.
• Defensive lineman Omari Mitchell has recorded 21 total tackles as well as a couple of forced fumbles.
TIFFIN NOTESThe Dragons have risen in the most recent AFCA national rankings, sitting just outside the top-25 in 27th overall. Tiffin is the only G-MAC school ranked nationally and most recently defeated Hillsdale 35-21 to remain undefeated and improve to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference.
TIFFIN OFFENSE
• The Dragon offense ranks high nationally in multiple categories including second in total offense, third in offensive first downs, fourth in scoring offense, and sixth in rushing offense.
• Kason Martin totals 1,491 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns so far this season and averages 248.5 passing yards per game. He has completed 64.2 percent of his passes and boasts a QB efficiency rating of 162.0.
• Running back Ronald Blackman leads the Dragons in both yards (640) and rushing touchdowns (5) with an average of 8.0 yards per carry, which leads the country. He is followed by senior Devin Nelson with 400 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
• Josh Lewis has been Martin's go-to receiver with 24 catches for 432 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Cole Schnieder has recorded the second-most catches with 18 for a total of 183 yards. The Dragons continue to display their depth at receiver with Jalen Thomas and James Dean both with 14 and 12 receptions.
TIFFIN DEFENSE
• Defensively, Tiffin ranks highly in several national categories including leading the nation in turnover margin and turnovers gained. The defense also ranks fourth in interceptions and sixth in defensive touchdowns.
• Following a big game against Hillsdale, Ramond Jackson overtook Jesse Connell as the team's leading tackler with 35 total tackles. Jackson has also recorded two interceptions and one pass breakup.
• Connell has recorded 32 tackles as well as a sack and two fumble recoveries. Patrick Tueimeh and Zeke Brown follow close behind with 27 and 26 tackles respectively.
• Chucky Lewis leads the secondary with four interceptions which ranks seventh in the nation for interceptions per game. He has added four pass breakups as well followed by Jesse Johnson and Caleb Streat each with three.
• Robert Holtz leads the Dragons in sacks with 4.5 while DJ Harris and Antonio O'Berry each have three.