2008 Savannah State Tigers football team
| 2008 Savannah State Tigers football | |
|---|---|
| Conference | Independent |
| 2008 record | 5–7 |
| Head coach | Robby Wells (1st season) |
| Offensive coordinator | Eddie Johnson (1st season) |
| Offensive scheme | Smashmouth offense |
| Defensive coordinator | Julius Dixon (3rd season) |
| Base defense | 4-4 |
| Home stadium | Ted Wright Stadium |
The 2008 Savannah State Tigers football team competed in college football on behalf of the Savannah State University. The Tigers competed an independent as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. This was the first season under the guidance of head coach Robby Wells.
The Tigers entered the 2008 season seeking its first winning season since joining Division I-AA in 2000, but compiled a 5–7 record. The season did mark the most wins since 1999, when the Tigers finished with a 5–6 as a member of the NCAA Division II. The Tigers last winning season was in 1998.
Savannah State lost its season opener against Jacksonville, 20–7. The Tigers put up 226 yards of total offense. QB JaCorey Kilcrease was 4–18 with an interception and 28 yards passing. QB Kurvin Curry, who took over in the second half, was 6–9 for 73 yards and tossed a touchdown to Tyron Kirkland. Senior free safety Javorris Jackson made a game-high 10 tackles and intercepted a pass in the second quarter. Senior cornerback Marcus Darrisaw and sophomore linebacker Vince Cochran each recovered fumbles. Junior linebacker Willie Hall forced a fumble.
Eleven SSU players were declared ineligible to play because of NCAA Clearinghouse issues. Calvin Leonard and Frank Usher were both injured during the game. Leonard was the starter at middle linebacker while Leonard was the starter at weakside linebacker.
Savannah State defeated Livingstone College 45–10, giving the team their first win of the season and ending a 9-game losing streak dating back to last season. The win was the first for first year Head Coach Robbie Wells.
Savannah State had 29 first downs and 485 yards of total offense. The Tigers had 217 yards passing and 268 rushing. QB Kurvin Curry had a total of 326 yards with four touchdowns and was 10–23 passing for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns. He rushed for 109 yards and two scores. The Tigers first drive resulted in a 33-yard touchdown run by Curry. Justin Babb caught 3 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 71 yards.
Jeff Robertson had 9 total tackles including a sack. Malik Allah recorded a sack and freshman Rashard Russell blocked a Livingstone punt and returned it for a touchdown in the 1st quarter.
Wide receiver Deleon Hollinger was reinstated prior to the game after being suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules during the Tigers' season-opening loss. Hollinger was SSU's leading receiver during the 2007 season. Antonio Lenton, Quincy Watie, Thelmore Jackson, Keon Hayward, Patrick Thomas and Javares Taylor were cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse to play in the game after missing the season opener.
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