Last Saturday, Trinity football took down Centre College 31-3 in a midseason conference matchup. Centre came into the game 1-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play. On the other side, Trinity went into the game 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). The Tigers also came into the game as the number-six-ranked team in the country.
The game began slowly, but Trinity struck first as fifth-year quarterback Tucker Horn lobbed a back-shoulder throw to senior wide receiver Carter Self with 17 seconds remaining in the first quarter. It was Self’s second touchdown of the season and his first in five games.
The Tigers also scored the next touchdown, but with their special teams on a punt return touchdown. First-year player Lamont Nickleberry returned a Centre punt for the game’s second score to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead — his first career touchdown at Trinity.
Trinity scored again in the second quarter on a 61-yard drive capped off by a one-yard Winston Hutchison touchdown. A 33-yard reception from fifth-year receiver Ryan Merrifield set up the score. Centre added a field goal before halftime, making the score 21-3 Trinity at the break.
The Tigers came out swinging in the second half, scoring on their opening drive of the half. The drive ended with Merrifield getting into the end zone for the seventh time in three games.
After bringing the score to 28-3, the offense was able to put it in cruise control, largely because of the Tiger’s defense, which proved to be one of the themes of the game. The defense, led by fifth-year linebacker Caleb Harmel, got two takeaways and only allowed three points all day.
Trinity would ultimately win 31-3 in a game that was never in jeopardy. Horn completed 16 of his 26 passes, throwing for two touchdowns. He has yet to throw an interception this season. Merrifield finished the game with five catches for 126 yards and the lone touchdown of the second half.
Defensively, linebackers Caleb Harmel and James Ogunrin combined for 27 tackles. Trinity also recorded two sacks after only getting one in the previous three games. Senior defensive lineman Casron Byrd got one of the two sacks, and he now leads the team in sacks with 3.5.
The Tigers only have four games remaining in the regular season and only play one more team above .500 the rest of the season. They have already played Berry and just defeated Centre, who were projected to finish second and third in the SAA, respectively. They are undefeated in SAA play and are on pace to win the conference for the third consecutive season. If the Tigers can win out, they would be guaranteed a spot in the NCAA playoffs. Based on their high national ranking, they would likely host their first-round game on Trinity’s campus, as well as their second-round game should they win in round one.
The Tigers have a lot ahead of them, but for now they get to rest as they enter their bye week. After that, they can continue their push to make the playoffs.
