Tusculum may have scored first in Saturday's matchup with University of West Alabama, but the momentum slowed quickly, as the host Tigers took control on both sides of the ball and rolled to a 45-9 victory at Terry Bunn Field at Tiger Stadium.

West Alabama has opened its season with consecutive wins for the first time since 2022, and the victory over Tusculum featured a balanced effort on the way to 456 total yards of offense. The Tigers had 249 yards through the air and 207 yards on the ground.

• Subscribe To FloFootball To Watch West Alabama Take On Tusculum
• Division II College Football Rankings: See The Preseason Top 25
• NCAA Division II Football Preseason Playoff Projections: The Field Of 28
• 2024 NCAA Division II Football Scores In Week 1: Here’s Who Won

Backup quarterback Spencer Arceneaux, starting in place of Kason Lincke, who was injured in the Tigers' season-opening win over Miles College, was 17 for 24 through the air Saturday for 249 yards and two touchdowns. 

He also led the West Alabama rushing attack with three carries for 74 yards and another score. His rushing touchdown was a game-long 67-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter.

The West Alabama defense delivered a pair of interceptions from Uriah Ratliff and Devonte Harris, and the Tigers held Tusculum to 246 yards of offense. 

Tusculum actually ran more plays in the game, 64-58, with the biggest being a 50-yard touchdown run from sophomore receiver Zaron Collins, who finished a successful reverse by blazing down the sideline for the game's first score.

That was the only time Collins handled the ball, and it equaled nearly half of Tusculum's 115 yards on the ground. A trio of Pioneer quarterbacks were 15 for 27 through the air for another 131 yards.

The only other time Tusculum and West Alabama met was in 2019, a 47-14 road win for West Alabama.

Following Saturday's loss, Tusculum’s new skipper, Billy Taylor, will have to wait two more weeks for another shot at his first win with the Pioneers. 

Up next for Tusculum is a Sept. 21 meeting with Newberry. It'll be the Pioneers' home opener and the start of their South Atlantic Conference play for 2024.

West Alabama will be back in action next Saturday with a third consecutive home game, this time against SAC standout Limestone. The Tigers play in the Gulf South Conference and will have their first GSC game on the road at West Florida on Sept. 21.

Storylines Heading Into Saturday's Tusculum-West Alabama Matchup

Taylor was looking to build on the momentum of a 6-5 season (6-2 in the South Atlantic Conference) that ended with a loss to Lenoir-Rhyne in the conference championship game.

West Alabama was 5-5 overall in 2023 and 4-4 in the Gulf South, finishing in the middle of the nine-team conference that was dominated by Valdosta State and Delta State.

The Tigers’ season-opening win over Miles last Saturday included a 10-point first quarter and a 20-yard field goal on the final play of the game to seal the home victory. Redshirt sophomore Elijah Guyton had three field goals in the game. 

In the win, Lincke was injured in the third quarter, and whether or not he'd play against Tusculum was questionable. 

If you missed any of the action in the Tusculum vs. West Alabama football game, scroll down to see how it all unfolded. 

Final Stats From Tusculum Football Vs. West Alabama Football

Clock Runs Out In Alabama - West Alabama Defeats Tusculum 45-9

The West Alabama Tigers are 2-0 on the season, and the Tusculum Pioneers have lost their season opener, the first game for new head coach Billy Taylor.

Tigers Waste No Time Scoring, West Alabama Leads Tusculum 45-9

The Tigers can't find the end zone again, but Guyton get the chance to show off one more time, as he knocks through a 26-yard field goal for a 45-9 West Alabama advantage.

Take A Look At The Pick From West Alabama's Devonte Harris Against Tusculum

The West Alabama defense is shining Saturday against the Tusculum Pioneers.

West Alabama's defense gets their second pick of the game 😳#GSCFB | @GulfSouth | @uwa_football pic.twitter.com/VLk5BzK1Gr

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 8, 2024

West Alabama With Another Interception Against Tusculum

West Alabama's Devonte Harris adds another interception for the Tigers with 12 minutes left in the game. Uriah Harris has the other INT for the Tigers.

After the return, the Tigers will start their drive on the TU 17-yard line.

Spencer Arceneaux Gets It Done On The Ground For West Alabama Football, Tigers Lead 42-9

Arceneaux fakes a handoff early in the fourth quarter against Tusculum and rumbles down the left sideline for a 67-yard touchdown. The Tigers go up 41-9. Guyton adds the extra point to make it 42-9 with 13 minutes left in the game.

Arceneaux now tops the West Alabama rushing stats with three carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. 

The Tigers have rolled up more than 400 yards in the game.

West Alabama On The Board Again In Third Quarter Against Tusculum

Senior Tyler Smith rushes in from a yard out to put the Tigers up 34-9. Guyton adds the extra point.

West Alabama leads 35-9 after the eight-play, 40-yard drive.

Arceneaux is 17 for 24 on the night for 249 yards and two touchdowns, while Brayden Jenkins is leading the ground attack with five carries for 49 yards and a touchdown.

There's less than a minute left in the third quarter. 

Defense, Defense, Defense For West Alabama 

West Alabama's Cody Sigler blocked a 42-yard Tusculum field goal attempt, but it's recovered by Tusculum's holder Stefaan Forbes around the Pioneer 37-yard line. 

West Alabama gets the ball back at the TU 40-yard line.

West Alabama Capitalizes, Adds Another Touchdown Against Tusculum

Brayden Jenkins takes it in from 8 yards out to put the Tigers ahead 27-9. Guyton adds the extra point to make it 28-9.

Watch The Uriah Ratliff Interception For West Alabama

Uriah Ratliff and the West Alabama defense are getting it done. Watch the interception now!

Picked offff 🗣️

Uriah Ratliff and the Tiger defense strikes again!#GSCFB | @GulfSouth | @uwa_football | @UWAAthletics pic.twitter.com/9CXCtHsufA

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 8, 2024

West Alabama Defense Strikes Again Against Tusculum

A third-down Brayden Phillips pass deep in the Tusculum territory is intercepted by West Alabama defensive back Uriah Ratliff and returned to the TU 8-yard line.

West Alabama Threatens, Scores Against Tusculum Pioneers

After another Tusculum punt, West Alabama threatens with a 58-yard strike from Arceneaux to senior receiver Dearrius Nelson, getting the Tigers to the Tusculum 30-yard line.

Two plays later, Arceneaux connects with graduate tight end Caleb Bass for 30 yards and a touchdown, bringing the score to 20-9.

Guyton adds the extra point, and the score is 21-9 with nine minutes left in the third quarter. It was a 91-drive on three plays that took 50 seconds.

Defense Reigning In Second Half Of Tusculum-West Alabama Game

Both teams were forced to punt to start the second half, and the ensuing drive results in a fumble by West Alabama's Silas Thompson after catching a pass across the middle. The fumble is recovered by Tusculum's Deven Brantley.

The Pioneers take over on the UWA 46-yard line.

Second Half Underway In Tusculum Football Vs. West Alabama Game

The Pioneers and Tigers are back in action, with Tusculum kicking off to West Alabama.

The Tigers will get things going on their own 29-yard line after a penalty on the return.

First-Half Stats From Tusculum Vs. West Alabama Football

First Half Concludes In Livingston, Alabama - UWA Leads Tusculum 14-9

Halfway there at Terry Bunn Field at Tiger Stadium. West Alabama leads Tusculum 14-9.

Tusculum Adds Field Goal As First Half Winds Down Against West Alabama, TU Down 14-9

The West Alabama defense keeps Tusculum out of the end zone in the final minute of the second quarter, forcing the Pioneers to settle for a 25-yard field goal by senior kicker John Aiden Pittman.

West Alabama leads 14-9 with less than 30 seconds to play in the half.

Watch Bry Webb's 2-Yard Score For West Alabama

Webb found the end zone to put the Tigers up against Tusculum.

Bry Webb dances in for a Tiger touchdown ‼️#GSCFB | @GulfSouth | @uwa_football | @UWAAthletics pic.twitter.com/SoKhSq57DM

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 8, 2024

West Alabama Rolling Halfway Through Second Quarter Against Tusculum

The Tigers quickly got the ball back and took advantage:

• Arceneaux with a 39-yard connection to Kristopher Binion down the right sideline.
• Arceneaux 13 yards to Tyler Walker down the left sideline to get the Tigers a first-and-goal opportunity inside the 2-yard line.
• Webb, a graduate running back, takes it in from 2 yards out. 
• Guyton adds the extra point.

West Alabama leads 14-6 with about five minutes left in the first half.

Huge Offensive Play From West Alabama Negated By Penalty

A 45-yard run from West Alabama's Bry Webb is called back for "hands to the face," so instead of being in Tusculum territory, the Tigers get pushed back to their own 5-yard line for a repeat of second down - second and 10.

Nothing transpires, and the Tigers are forced to punt from their own end zone.

Tusculum gets the ball at the UWA 32-yard line with less than 10 minutes to play in the first half.

First Quarter Ends In West Alabama-Tusculum Football Game

Tusculum punts, and West Alabama takes over with 19 seconds left in the quarter.

The Tigers run one play for minimal gain, and the quarter ends. UWA leads 7-6.

West Alabama QB Arceneaux is 4 for 5 for 61 yards and a touchdown. Tusculum QB Matthew Palazzo is 5 for 5 for 28 yards.

Tigers start the second quarter on their own 19.

West Alabama Fires Back Against Tusculum - Watch This!

Check out Spencer Arceneaux getting it DONE, connecting with Tyler Walker for 38 yards.

Spencer Arceneaux with the BOMB

38-yard touchdown to Tyler Walker.#GSCFB | @GulfSouth | @uwa_football | @UWAAthletics pic.twitter.com/KDgo6zlWoi

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 7, 2024

West Alabama Tigers Answer, Lead Tusculum 7-6

Junior Spencer Arceneaux is the starting quarterback this week, after last week's starter, Kevin Lincke, was inured in the third quarter, allowing Arceneaux to step in. 

After a 25-yard scamper by sophomore Brayden Jenkins, Arceneaux delivers a 38-yard strike to senior receiver to Tyler Walker in the back of the end zone to tie the game. 

Kicker Elijah Guyton, the reigning SAC Special Teams Player of the Week, adds the extra point to give West Alabama the lead, 7-6.

Guyton had three field goals in last week's win over Miles, including a 20-yarder on the final play of the game.

There's 6:38 left in the opening quarter.

Watch Tusculum's Zaron Collins Find The End Zone Against West Alabama

Zaron Collins has WHEELS! Check out his 50-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against West Alabama.

Zaron Collins got wheels 😮‍💨

Tusculum gets on the board first with a 50-yard touchdown run.#SACFB | @SAC_Athletics | @TusculumSports pic.twitter.com/sdtl8BzGMY

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 7, 2024

Pioneers Gain Momentum On Second Drive Against West Alabama, Open Scoring With TD

The Tusculum Pioneers scores the first touchdown of the Billy Taylor era, a third-and-3 reverse that saw sophomore receiver Zaron Collins zip down the left sideline, before a quick juke around the 15-yard line gets him past the West Alabama defense and into the end zone.

The Pioneers go for two points after the 50-yard score, and it's picked off at the goal line by graduate linebacker Trevon Stanford. 

Tusculum leads 6-0.

Fate No Better For West Alabama Tigers, Who Also Punt On Their First Drive

West Alabama punter quickly gets his own opportunity to kick it away, as Tusculum quickly stops the Tigers offense. 

First Tusculum Drive Ends With Punt

It's a quick set of downs for the Pioneers, who send in Stefaan Forbes to kick it away.

Tusculum And West Alabama Underway

The host Tigers kick off to the visiting Tusculum Pioneers, and TU's season gets started it's own 25-yard line.

When Is The Tusculum Vs. West Alabama Football Game?

Tusculum will take on the University of West Alabama at Terry Bunn Field at Tiger Stadium in Livingston, Alabama, on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Central.

How To Watch The Tusculum Vs. West Alabama Football Game

Football action is streaming live on FloFootball and the FloSports app, including the Tusculum vs. West Alabama football game during Week 2. 

Replays and postgame highlights also will be available on both platforms. 

West Alabama Kicker Elijah Guyton Named GSC Special Teams Player Of The Week

Elijah Guyton’s three-field goal performance in West Alabama’s 16-15 win over Miles, including the game-winner on the final play of the contest, earned him the GSC Special Teams Player of the Week nod.

Congrats Elijah! https://t.co/EOk1GITSJh

— West Alabama FB (@uwa_football) September 2, 2024

SAC Announces WePlayed Football Players Of The Week For Week Zero

The South Atlantic Conference announced its WePlayed Football Players of the Week for games played during week zero of the 2024 season. 

Emory & Henry’s Cam Peoples was named the Offensive Player of the Week, and Wingate's Jaquan Edwards was named the Defensive Player of the Week, while Carson-Newman's Fortune Woods was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. 

Read more here.

– TheSac.com

Season Openers For The Gulf South Conference

After going 4-0 during Week 0, the GSC improved to 68-24 during the opening week of the season, dating back to the 2012 season. 

GSC teams have collectively notched a .700-or-better record in Week 1 six times during that stretch, the last being in 2022 when they went 6-2 (.750). 

– gscsports.org

About Tusculum

This is the 76th season of football at Tusculum. Billy Taylor is the program’s 17th coach.

The Pioneers are 33-39-3 all-time in their season-opening games, 3-11 against teams from the Gulf South Conference and 2-5 against teams from Alabama. 

TU was selected by the conference’s coaches to finish sixth in the South Atlantic Conference this season. 

More About Tusculum Football

The Tusculum Pioneers had a decent 2023 campaign, going 6-5 overall and 6-2 in the South Atlantic Conference, where they tied for first place in the Mountain Division, one of the two six-team divisions in the SAC. 

Because the tiebreaker was a head-to-head win over Mars Hill, Tusculum earned a spot in the SAC Football Championship against Piedmont Division winner Lenoir-Rhyne, which was 7-1 in conference play.

Despite the home-field advantage, Tusculum was no match for Lenoir-Rhyne, falling 48-7.

Lenoir-Rhyne and Limestone (also 7-1 in the Piedmont Division) advanced to the NCAA Division II Football Championship, with Lenoir-Rhyne reaching the national semifinals, before losing to eventual champion Harding, 55-14. Limestone lost its opening game to Valdosta State by a score of 62-41.

Shortly after the season concluded, longtime coach Jerry Odom (42-38 over eight seasons) left the Tusculum, meaning the Pioneers’ run at redemption in 2024 would happen under new leadership.

Enter Billy Taylor, who made the short trip to Greenville, Tennessee, from East Tennessee State, where he was the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the last nine seasons.

Taylor’s debut with the Pioneers will come Saturday against West Alabama, led by the top two quarterback options from the 2023 season – senior Matthew Palazzo and senior Braydon Phillips. They combined for all but a handful of the Tusculum snaps last year. 

About West Alabama Football

The Tigers have a week of game experience, and they’ll once again be playing in front of their home crowd. They also know they have a reliable kicking game, as proven in their win over Miles last week.

How they handle that momentum, as well as the uncertainty of their quarterback situation, will set the tone against Tusculum. 

West Alabama picked up a couple of noteworthy wins in 2023, including a 27-13 win over Limestone and a 10-6 victory over West Florida, both of which advanced to the Division II playoffs.

As often is the case, early games can be a great gauge of progress and weak spots before conference play gets underway. That’s especially important in the GSC, where three teams are ranked in the top 25.

How To Watch West Alabama Football Games In 2024

Gulf South Conference and West Alabama football home games will stream live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

Watch Gulf South Football Highlights

Keep an eye on what's happening across the GSC each week.

How To Watch Tusculum Football Games In 2024

South Atlantic Conference and Tusculum football home games also will stream live on FloFooball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

Watch South Atlantic Conference Football Highlights

Keep an eye on what's happening across the SAC each week.

Tusculum Football Schedule 2024

All times Eastern

• Sept. 7: at West Alabama, 7 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept. 21: vs. Newberry, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept. 28: at Lenoir-Rhyne, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 5: vs. Limestone, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 12: vs. Emory & Henry, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 19: at Mars Hill, 2:30 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 26: vs. Anderson, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov. 2: at UVA Wise, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov. 9: vs. Carson-Newman, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov. 16: at Wingate, 1:30 p.m. (FloSports)

West Alabama Football Schedule 2024

All times Central

• Aug. 31: West Alabama 16, Miles 15 (W) (FloSports)
• Sept. 7: vs. Tusculum, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept. 14: vs. Limestone, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept. 21: at West Florida, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Sept. 28: at Valdosta State, 6 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 5: vs. Erskine, 2 p.m.
• Oct. 12: at Mississippi College, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 19: at Delta State, 4 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct. 26: vs. Chowan, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov. 2: vs. North Greenville, 2 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov. 9: at Shorter, 11 a.m.

Tusculum Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the Tusculum football roster.

West Alabama Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the West Alabama football roster.

Division 2 College Football Rankings 

As of Sept. 2, 2024 from d2football.com

1. Harding (0-0) - Prev. 1  
2. Central Missouri (0-0) - Prev. 2  
3. Pittsburg State (1-0) - Prev. 4  
4. Grand Valley State (0-0) - Prev. 5  
5. Valdosta State (1-0) - Prev. 6  
6. Colorado Mines (0-0) - Prev. 7  
7. Central Washington (0-0) - Prev. 8  
8. Minnesota State (1-0) - Prev. 11  
9. Ferris State (0-1) - Prev. 3  
10. Kutztown (0-0) - Prev. 9  
11. Slippery Rock (0-0) - Prev. 10  
12. Delta State (1-0) - Prev. 14  
13. Lenoir-Rhyne (0-0) - Prev. 12  
14. West Florida (0-0) - Prev. 13  
15. UT Permian Basin (1-0) - Prev. 16  
16. Indianapolis (0-0) - Prev. 15  
17. Ouachita Baptist (0-0) - Prev. 17  
18. Virginia Union (1-0) - Prev. 18  
19. Western Colorado (0-0) - Prev. 19  
20. Bemidji State (1-0) - Prev. 20  
21. Augustana (0-0) - Prev. 21  
22. Henderson State (0-0) - Prev. 23  
23. Minnesota Duluth (1-0) - Prev. 25  
24. Fort Hays (1-0) - Prev. NR  
25. Charleston (1-0) - Prev. 24

Division II College Football 2024 Conference Preseason Polls

Curious how things are expected to shake out in each Division II conference? We’ve got you covered.

See the preseason polls for the 16 football-playing Division II conferences here.

Watch D2 Football On FloFootball

Here are some other Division II games to catch on FloFootball during Week 2 and Week 3 of the college football season. Subscribe to watch. 

All Times Eastern

Thursday, Sept. 5

• West Virginia State vs Barton College - 6 p.m.
• South Dakota Mines vs Michigan Tech - 6 p.m.
• Shepherd vs SCSU - 6 p.m.
• Central State vs Grand Valley - 7 p.m.
• East Stroudsburg vs Pace - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7

• Shippensburg vs AIC - Noon
• Bowie State vs Lenoir-Rhyne - 1 p.m.
• St. Andrews vs Anderson (SC) - 1 p.m.
• Lake Erie vs Ferris State - 6 p.m.
• Missouri S&T vs Delta State - 7 p.m.
• Valdosta State vs Newberry - 7 p.m.
• Davidson vs Catawba - 7 p.m.
• Winston-Salem State vs NC A&T - 7 p.m.
• Sul Ross State vs Eastern N.M. - 9 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13

• New Haven vs Pace - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14

• Hillsdale vs Michigan Tech - Noon
• Tiffin University vs Lenoir-Rhyne - 1 p.m.
• Bentley vs St. Anselm - 1 p.m.
• Assumption vs Franklin Pierce - 1 p.m.
• Bluefield State vs Emory & Henry - 1 p.m.
• Wayland Baptist vs Sul Ross State - 2 p.m.
• Delta State vs Wingate - 3 p.m.
• Barton College vs Chowan - 6 p.m.
• LaGrange College vs Anderson (SC) - 6 p.m.
• Texas A&M-Kingsville vs Mississippi College - 7 p.m.
• Adams State vs UT Permian Basin - 7 p.m.
• Eastern N.M. vs Angelo State - 7 p.m.
• Shaw University vs Catawba - 7 p.m.
• Western Colorado vs West Texas A&M - 8 p.m.
• New Mexico Highlands vs Western N.M. - 8 p.m.

When Do The NCAA Division II Football Playoffs Start?

The playoffs begin on Nov. 23 and end on Dec. 21 at District Stadium in McKinney, Texas. 

NCAA Division II Football 2023 Final Rankings

1. Harding (Ark.) 15-0
2. Colorado School of Mines 14-1
3. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 11-2
4. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 13-2
5. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 11-2
6. Central Missouri 11-2
7. Kutztown (Pa.) 12-3
8. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 12-2
9. Ferris St. (Mich.) 8-3
10. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 12-2
11. Delta St. (Miss.) 10-2
12. Benedict (S.C.) 11-1
13. Augustana (S.D.) 11-2
14. Tiffin (Ohio) 11-1
15. Western Colorado 10-2
16. Bemidji St. (Minn.) 9-3
17. Central Washington 9-4
18. Texas-Permian Basin 10-2
19. Charleston (W.Va.) 10-2
20. Virginia Union 10-2
21. Minnesota St. 9-3
22. Indianapolis (Ind.) 9-2
23. West Florida 8-4
24. Henderson St. (Ark.) 9-3
25. Minnesota-Duluth 9-2

Archived Footage On FloFootball

Video footage from all events will be archived and stored in a video library for FloFootball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

Watch The 2024 College Football Season On FloFootball 

FloFootball is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long. 

Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloFootball schedule page for the latest games. 

Join the College Football Conversation

• Follow us on Twitter @FloFootball
• Follow us on Instagram @FloFootball
• Follow us on TikTok @FloFootball
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook