ETSU has different challenges with Tusculum

East Tennessee State will face an entirely different challenge against Tusculum on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. than what they saw a week ago. The Bucs (0-1) gave up 514 yards of offense, 343 passing yards to Campbell's Kamden Sixkiller in a season-opening 49-37 loss. On the other hand, Tusculum quarterback Tedros Gleaton attempted just three passes overall as the Pioneers (1-0) ran the triple option in a 42-7 win over Bluefield State. Still, ETSU coach Will Healy believes Gleaton is capable of slinging it through the air. "I really like their quarterback. You look at the stats from the other day and he threw passes," Healy said. "One of those was a 55-yard pass to an open receiver in the back of the end zone. He has plenty of arm strength, originally started at Navy, then Carson-Newman. I like how he runs their offense." The offense is something Healy is quite familiar with as an Air Force Preparatory mid-line quarterback. "I really respect what they do. It's a different challenge for our defense, something difficult to defend," Healy said. "Their offensive linemen do a tremendous job getting off the ball. They're quick, physical, and they've built the line around what their scheme is." Ja'Von McMahan led the Pioneers with 11 rushes in their win against the Blues. He's a player that Healy recruited out of McCallie High School, but went to Western Kentucky before transferring to Tusculum. Tusculum, coached by former ETSU defensive coordinator Billy Taylor, had 297 yards in the win over Bluefield State with 222 of those on the ground. Gleaton led the way with 74 rushing yards to go along with 51 passing yards. McMahan rushed for 42 yards. ETSU isn't taking the NCAA Division II school lightly. Defensive end Charles Woodard talked about the challenge of facing the triple option. "The biggest key for the defensive line is go in there with the mentality of I'm going to be tough and I'm going to do my job," Woodard said. "If 10 guys do the right thing and one guy doesn't do his job, they hand it off to your guy, and now you have an explosive play. The biggest key is to play sound fundamental football." But, it was the defensive side where the Pioneers were most dominant with three interceptions, a fumble recovery and four sacks. Bluefield State didn't score until there was only three seconds left in the game. ETSU presents a serious challenge to that Pioneer defense. Freshman quarterback Mason Mims completed a record 33-of-41 passes for 373 yards, and led an offense that produced 528 yards against Campbell. Virginia transfer Suderian Harrison showed his explosiveness with five catches for 99 yards. Tight end Charlie Browder was Mr. Reliable, targeted seven times and each time coming up with a reception for 56 yards. Xavier Gaillardetz had 59 receiving yards, while Brandon Winton and Trey Weary had six and five catches, respectively. The Bucs also piled up 160 rushing yards, led by T.J. Peyton Jr. with 80 yards on 15 carries. Jaiden Daniels had 39 yards on five carries, while Jason Albritton and D'Marius Rucker each ran for a touchdown. The game will be part of Niswonger Children's Hospital Day and the Bucs' helmet will feature special "E" decals designed by the patients. The players will also wear special shirts during the pre-game Buc Walk. Besides football, fans can catch futbol as the ETSU men's soccer team hosts Longwood on Saturday 1 p.m. at Summers-Taylor Stadium.