The 2009 Savannah State Tigers football team represented Savannah State University

Savannah State University

Savannah State University is a four-year, state-supported, historically black university located in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah State holds the distinction as the oldest public historically black university in Georgia...

 in American football

American football

American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...

. The Tigers were members of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision as an independent. This was the second season under the guidance of head coach

Head coach

A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...

 Robert "Robby" Wells

Robert Wells (coach)

Robert "Robby" Wells is an American former college football coach and a politician. He was the head football coach at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia from 2007 to 2009....

.

The Tigers entered the 2009 season seeking its first winning season since joining Division I-AA in 2000, but ended the season with a 2–8 record. The team compiled a 5–7 record in 2008, 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.

Preseason notes

• Former offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Alan Hall left the Savannah State staff to join the football program at Winston-Salem State University
  Winston-Salem State University
  Winston-Salem State University , a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, is a historically black public research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. It is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.Winston-Salem State has been...
  
    – Savannah State announced the signing of National Letters of Intent by 21 players.

  Name	Position		School	City, State
  Blair Austin	WR	6–2, 190	Brookwood HS	Thomasville, GA Thomasville, Georgia Thomasville is the county seat of Thomas County, Georgia, United States. The city is the second largest in Southwest Georgia after Albany.The city deems itself the City of Roses and holds an annual Rose Festival. The town features plantations open to the public, a historic downtown, a large...
  Cedric Brown	OL	6–2, 275	Thomasville HS Thomasville High School Thomasville High School is a public secondary school located in Thomasville, Georgia, USA. It is one of only a handful of city school systems left in the state of Georgia. It is considered by the Georgia High School Association to be an AA school system....	Thomasville, GA Thomasville, Georgia Thomasville is the county seat of Thomas County, Georgia, United States. The city is the second largest in Southwest Georgia after Albany.The city deems itself the City of Roses and holds an annual Rose Festival. The town features plantations open to the public, a historic downtown, a large...
  Tavarus Butler	DT	6–4, 270	Putnam County HS	Eatonton, GA Eatonton, Georgia Eatonton is a city in Putnam County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 6,480. The city is the county seat of Putnam County. It was named after William Eaton, an officer and diplomat involved in the First Barbary War...
  Jonathan Clowers	OL	6–6, 280	Perry HS Perry High School (Georgia) - Alumni :* United States Senator Sam Nunn* Dontarrious Thomas* Kiwaukee Thomas* Al Thornton* Deborah Roberts-External links:* * *...	Perry, GA Perry, Georgia Perry is a city in Houston county in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the Warner Robins, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 9,600 at the 2000 census. This town is the county seat of Houston County...
  Justin Cooper	CB	6–2, 185	Cartersville HS	Cartersville, GA Cartersville, Georgia Cartersville is a town in Bartow County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 19,7314. The city is the county seat of Bartow County.-Geography:Cartersville was named for Colonel Farish Carter....
  Kevin Davenport	WR	6–3, 210	Glenn Hills HS	Augusta, GA Augusta, Georgia Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
  Brian Forde	DT	6–4, 295	Newton County HS Newton High School (Georgia) -External links:**...	Conyers, GA Conyers, Georgia Conyers is the only city in Rockdale County, Georgia, USA. It is twenty-four miles east of Atlanta. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 10,689. Census estimates of 2005 indicate a population of 12,205. The city is the county seat of Rockdale County. By 2009, the reported population was...
  Phillip Gaines	LB	5–10, 195	Gainesville HS	Gainesville, GA
  Franklin Green	RB	5–10, 205	Jenkins HS Jenkins High School Herschel V. Jenkins High School is a public high school located in Savannah, Georgia. A part of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Georgia Accrediting Commission....	Savannah, GA Savannah, Georgia Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
  Kenneth James	OL	6–4, 306	Millcreek HS	Hoschton, GA Hoschton, Georgia Hoschton is a city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,070 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hoschton is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of...
  Antonio Martin	CB	5–9, 170	Jefferson HS	Jefferson, GA Jefferson, Georgia Jefferson is a city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 3,825 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Jackson County. Jefferson is known for its superior recreation department...
  Warren Mason	OL	6–5, 310	Cedar Grove HS	Atlanta, GA Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
  Quenton Pooler	LB	6–2, 210	Newton County HS Newton High School (Georgia) -External links:**...	Covington, GA Covington, Georgia Covington is a city in Newton County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 13,118. The city is the county seat of Newton County...
  DaShawn Printup	S	6–1, 190	Calhoun HS Calhoun High School (Calhoun, Georgia) Calhoun High School is a grades 9-12 Public High school in Calhoun, Georgia. It is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission, by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of Georgia High School Association...	Calhoun, GA Calhoun, Georgia Calhoun is a city in Gordon County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 15,650. The city is the county seat of Gordon County.-Geography:Calhoun is located at , along the Oostanaula River....
  Terrick Ransom	OL	6- 1, 300	Cedar Grove HS	Atlanta, GA Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
  Ricky Rivera	WR	6–1, 170	Long County HS	Ludowici, GA Ludowici, Georgia Ludowici is a city in Long County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,440 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Long County...
  Dustin Russell	LB	6–1, 205	Newnan HS Newnan High School Newnan High School is a high school located in southwestern Coweta County, in Newnan, Georgia, just south of the Historic Downtown district. Newnan High School is the oldest of the three Coweta County high schools....	Newnan, GA Newnan, Georgia Newnan is a city in Coweta County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. The population was 16,242 at the 2000 Census. Newnan is one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia, with an estimated population of 27,097 in 2006 and 33,293 in July 2008...
  Leland Russell	LB	5–9, 210	Newnan HS Newnan High School Newnan High School is a high school located in southwestern Coweta County, in Newnan, Georgia, just south of the Historic Downtown district. Newnan High School is the oldest of the three Coweta County high schools....	Newnan, GA Newnan, Georgia Newnan is a city in Coweta County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. The population was 16,242 at the 2000 Census. Newnan is one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia, with an estimated population of 27,097 in 2006 and 33,293 in July 2008...
  Calvert Smith	DB	5- 10, 180	Memorial Day HS	Savannah, GA Savannah, Georgia Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
  Anthony Thomas	LB	6–1, 205	Dublin HS	Dublin, GA Dublin, Georgia Dublin is a city in Laurens County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 16,201. The city is the county seat of Laurens County.-History:The original settlement was named after the city Dublin, Ireland....
  Channing Welch	DL	6–3, 270	Furman Univ. Furman University Furman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina...  / Fayette County HS Fayette County High School (Georgia) Fayette County High School, located in Fayetteville, Georgia, was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 1999, and was named a Georgia School of Excellence in 2000. The school teaches grades 9-12 and enrolls approximately 1,344 students. Fayette County High is accredited by the Southern Association...	Atlanta, GA Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...

• Spring practice was held between March 24, 2009 and April 16, 2009. The annual spring game was held on April 18, 2009. During the game, the Orange beat the Blue, 23–0.
• The game between Savannah State and North Greenville, originally scheduled for October 10 at Ted Wright Stadium
  Ted Wright Stadium
  Ted Wright Stadium is a 7,500-seat multi-purpose stadium in Savannah, Georgia. The facility is located on the campus of Savannah State University and is named in honor of Theodore Wright who served as the Tiger's head football coach from 1947-1949....
  
   in Savannah, was canceled because of a scheduling conflict.
• The Tigers announced the addition of CJ Frye (running backs coach) and Hans Batichon (wide receivers coach) on July 29, 2009. Frye replaced Trevin Smith who left the Tigers' staff, while Batichon replaced Eddie Johnson who was promoted to offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach. Frye was the offensive coordinator at McCormick High School in McCormick, South Carolina
  McCormick, South Carolina
  McCormick is a town in McCormick County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,489 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of McCormick County.-Geography:McCormick is located at ....
  
   last season and played offensive line at the University of South Carolina
  University of South Carolina
  The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
  
  . Batichon, a graduate of Appalachian State University
  Appalachian State University
  Appalachian State University is a comprehensive , public, coeducational university located in Boone, North Carolina, United States. Appalachian State, also referred to as Appalachian, App State, or simply App, is the sixth largest institution in the University of North Carolina system...
  
   (where he played wide receiver), came to SSU from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina
  Boone, North Carolina
  Boone is a town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, United States. Boone's population was reported as 17,122, as of 2010...
  
  .
• Eighty-five players reported to campus on August 4, 2009 for Football Camp. The Tigers returned 56 lettermen, including 16 starters and 29 newcomers. The first practice was also held on August 5.
• Coach Wells announced on August 28 that senior wide receiver Deleon Hollinger, senior linebacker Antwan Allen, senior defensive lineman Brandon Miller and senior offensive lineman Derrick Dorsey were selected as team captains for the 2009 season.
• Barry Casterlin is hired as running backs coach to replace Curtis Frye who left SSU to become tight ends coach at Tennessee State University
  Tennessee State University
  Tennessee State University is a land-grant university located in Nashville, Tennessee. TSU is the only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee.-History:...
  
  .

Regular season notes and standings

• The Tigers win over Livingstone College on September 5 was the team's first season opening win in five years.
• The Tigers loss to McNeese State on September 19, was the team's worst loss since losing to Gardner-Webb University, 66–0, on November 3, 2007 and the first shutout loss for Coach Wells.
• Center Donnell Collins sustained a season-ending ankle injury in the Tigers' 47–10 loss to Charleston Southern on October 3, 2009.
• Former Savannah State player Shannon Sharpe
  Shannon Sharpe
  Shannon Sharpe is a former American Football tight end who played for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. Sharpe is known for his creative commentary and trash talking. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and inducted on August 6, 2011...
  
  's #2 jersey, was officially retired by the university and presented to Sharpe during the pre-game ceremony before the Bethune-Cookman University game on October 17.

Schedule

Coaches and support staff

Name	Type	College	Graduating year
Robert "Robby" Wells Robert Wells (coach) Robert "Robby" Wells is an American former college football coach and a politician. He was the head football coach at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia from 2007 to 2009....	Head Coach	Furman Furman University Furman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina...	1990
John W. Montgomery, II	Asst. Head Coach Offensive Line Coach	Oklahoma State	1976
Eddie Johnson	Offensive Coordinator Quarterbacks Coach	Georgetown College	1993
Julius Dixon	Defensive Coordinator Defensive Backs Coach	Furman Furman University Furman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina...	1990
Allen Edwards	Defensive Line Coach Recruiting Coordinator	Furman Furman University Furman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina...	1993
Jose Gonzalez	Inside Linebackers Coach	Southern Mississippi	2000
Barry Casterlin	Running Backs Coach	South Carolina University of South Carolina The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...	2001
Hans Batichon	Wide Receivers Coach	Appalachian State Appalachian State University Appalachian State University is a comprehensive , public, coeducational university located in Boone, North Carolina, United States. Appalachian State, also referred to as Appalachian, App State, or simply App, is the sixth largest institution in the University of North Carolina system...	2008
Melanie Dalpias	Graduate Assistant / Athletic Trainer	Graceland Graceland University Graceland is not ranked by U.S. News & World Report, being deemed a Tier 3 institution. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission as a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.-Housing System:...	2007
Renee Mickey	Graduate Assistant / Athletic Trainer	UNC-Pembroke University of North Carolina at Pembroke The University of North Carolina at Pembroke , also known as UNC Pembroke, is a public, co-educational, historically American Indian liberal arts university in the town of Pembroke in Robeson County, North Carolina....	2009

Roster

2009 Savannah State Tigers by position
Quarterbacks 1 Kurvin Curry – Sophomore 13 Antonio Bostic – Freshman 14 A.J. Defilippis – Freshman Running Backs 20 Justin Babb – Junior 21 Rashard Russell – Freshman 29 Rashad Curry – Junior 31 Tim Williams – Sophomore 34 Daniel Heslop – Freshman 47 Jared Pollard – Freshman Wide Receivers 4 Deron Talley – Sophomore 5 Ricky Rivera – Freshman 6 Byron Leggett – Junior 9 Deleon Hollinger – Senior 16 Zach Mayfield – Freshman 19 Javares Taylor – Senior 24 Antonio Proctor – Freshman 80 B.J. Longley – Sophomore 81 Armond Denson – Junior 82 Stefon Taylor – Junior 83 Nathan Robinson – Sophomore 84 Alakan Thomas – Sophomore 85 Demetrius Holmes – Freshman Tight Ends 17 Steven Veasy – Senior Kickers / Punters 89 Vance Tarver – Freshman 99 Derek Williams – Sophomore		Fullbacks 48 Michael Johnson – Sophomore Offensive Line 59 Derrick Dorsey – Senior 60 Josh Davis – Freshman 61 Brian Lamarr – Freshman 62 Jared Brunson – Sophomore 68 Thelmore Jackson – Sophomore 69 Keith Turner – Freshman 70 Demetrius Edwards – Junior 71 Lenworth McKenzie – Sophomore 73 Cedric Brown – Freshman 74 Jonathan Clowers – Freshman 75 Warren Mason – Freshman 76 Dan Johnson – Junior 77 Donnell Collins – Sophomore 78 Terrick Ransom – Freshman 79 Jerome Miller – Freshman Defensive Line 40 Cordero Campbell – Junior 42 Juvaro Goodman – Sophomore 50 LaDarien Redfield – Junior 57 Johnny Howard – Sophomore 86 James Briscoe – Sophomore 90 Travis Alston – Sophomore 91 Chris Reed – Senior 92 Stephen Myers – Freshman 93 Brandon Miller – Senior 94 Channing Welch – Junior 95 Tavarus Butler – Freshman 96 Tim Wright – Freshman 97 Tametric Hunt – Sophomore		Linebackers 12 Leland Russell – Freshman 26 Antwan Allen – Senior 32 Anthony Thomas – Freshman 35 Sadrak JeanBaptiste – Sophomore 43 Jeffrey Robertson – Junior 44 Phillip Gaines – Freshman 45 J. Vince Cochran – Junior 46 Henry Jackson – Sophomore 49 Michael Kuku – Sophomore 52 Edwin Stevenson – Sophomore 53 Nate Clay – Sophomore 54 Coy Allen – Freshman 55 Xavier Lewis – Sophomore Defensive Backs 3 Cedric Chambers – Freshman 7 Darren Hunter – Junior 8 Patrick Thomas – Sophomore 10 Justin Cooper – Freshman 11 Antonio Martin – Freshman 15 Deshawn Printup – Freshman 18 CJ Smith – Freshman 22 Richie Rucker – Sophomore 25 Edward Ndem – Junior 27 Mathew Smith – Sophomore 28 Jevontae Jefferson – Freshman 30 Chris Asbury – Sophomore 33 Khelvin Sullivan – Freshman 37 Toriano Holt – Freshman 38 Brent McCall – Sophomore 39 Mickolas Dudley – Sophomore 41 Emory Williams – Senior 72 Michael Mitchell – Freshman

Livingstone College

HBCU Classic

HBCU Classic

The HBCU Classic is an annual American football game played in Greenville, South Carolina at Sirrine Stadium.-Game results:...

Justin Babb rushed for 229 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown as the Tigers defeated Division II Livingstone College

Livingstone College

Livingstone College is a private, historically black, four-year college in Salisbury, North Carolina. It is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church...

, 34–12, in the fifth annual HBCU Classic

HBCU Classic

The HBCU Classic is an annual American football game played in Greenville, South Carolina at Sirrine Stadium.-Game results:...

. A crowd of 2,100 fans saw the Tigers take a 25–0 lead in the first half.

The Blue Bears (0–2) had just 28 rushing yards on 26 carries in the game while the Tigers had 391 rushing yards on 49 carries. The Tigers gained 483 yards of offense while the defense sacked the Livingstone quarterback six times. The win gives Savannah State a 7–1 lead in the all-time series against Livingstone.

Alabama State University

Joe Turner Classic

Joe Turner Classic

The Joe Turner Classic is an annual American football game played in Savannah, Georgia at Ted Wright Stadium on the campus of Savannah State University.-History:The first Joe Turner Classic was held in 1993 at Ted Wright Stadium in Savannah, Georgia...

Sophomore kicker Dereck Williams missed two field goals (36 and 42 yards) late in the fourth quarter as the Alabama State Hornets held on to defeat Savannah State, 20–17, at T.A. Wright Stadium. Quarterback Kurvin Curry completed 13 of 20 passes (159 yards) and Justin Babb rushed for 78 yards on 18 carries. The Tigers lead for much of the game, but fell behind when Devin Dominguez caught a 20-yard pass from Chris Mitchell late in the fourth quarter.

McNeese State University

The eighth ranked Cowboys of McNeese State University racked up 489 yards on offense, including a season-high 288 rushing yards, in a 56–0 rout of Savannah State in the first ever meeting between the two schools. The Tigers offense were held to nine first downs during the game and only crossed mid-field three times. The McNeese State defense scored twice including a score on the game's fourth play when the Cowboys' defense sacked SSU quarterback Kurvin Curry and Desmund Lighten recovered his fumble in the end zone. Freshman quarterback A.J. DeFilippis replaced an injured Curry in the first half and completed 9 of 12 passes for 65 yards and one interception in the game. Junior defensive back Edward Ndem led the Tiger's defense with eight tackles while Chris Reed and Jeff Robertson had seven tackles each.

Concordia College – Selma

Southern Georgia Heritage Classic
Concordia's Harrison Ellison kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to give Concordia a 23–21 win over the Tigers in the 2009 Southern Georgia Heritage Classic in front of 1,333 in attendance. Savannah State led 21–14 with just over nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, but the Hornets, an NAIA-level team, scored nine points in the final five minutes, fourteen seconds to earn the win.

SSU gained 259 yards of total offense compared to Concordia's 376 yards. SSU quarterback A.J. DeFilippis came off the bench and was 9-of-11 passing for 95 yards with two touchdowns, ran five times for 41 yards, and threw an interception. Starting quarterback Kurvin Curry was 5-of-10, passing for 61 yards but was sacked twice. Justin Babb ran for a game-high 74 yards and a touchdown.

Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern piled up 528 total yards in a 47–10 win over Savannah State. The Tigers only touchdown was a 16-yard run by Justin Babb. Babb finished the game with seven carries for 81 yards. Senior wide receiver Deleon Hollinger surpassed the 100-catch mark in his career in the game. Starting quarterback A.J. Defilippis completed 12 of 28 passes for 124 yards, but threw 2 interceptions. Kurvin Curry completed 4 of 7 passes during the game. The Tigers mustered 266 yards of total offense. The Tigers defense was led by Chris Asbury who achieved a career-high 11 tackles in the game. The Tigers fell to 1–4 on the season and Charleston Southern improved to 2–3.

Bethune-Cookman University

The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats stopped Savannah State's Kurvin Curry on fourth-and-goal run from 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter to preserve a 34–24 win. With 4:19 remaining in the game and trailing 27–24, the Tigers went on offense at the Wildcats' 8-yard line when linebacker Michael Kuku forced B-CU quarterback Matthew Johnson to fumble the football and defensive end Chris Reed recovered the ball. The Tigers offense attempted four plays, including two from inside B-CU's 1-yard line, but were unable to score. The Tigers were able to get the ball back at their own 34 yard line with 1:56 remaining in the game, but Curry's pass was intercepted by Michael Williams and returned 52 yeards for a touchdown with 42 seconds left. Curry was intercepted again with 40 seconds left in the game by Tavaris Bell on the Tigers final offensive play of the game.

Curry, who relieved starter A.J. Defilippis in the game, was 11 of 23 for 174 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Defilippis was 4 of 11 for 49 yards. Savannah State moved to 1–5 and the Wildcats improved to 2–4.

Old Dominion University

Savannah State's losing streak was extended to six games after a 38–17 loss to Old Dominion. The loss assures the Tigers of a losing season, the eleventh consecutive, while ODU, who is in their first year of football, improves to 6–2.
Sophomore quarterback Kurvin Curry accounted for 235 of total offense (passed for 185 yards and ran for 50 yards) and two touchdowns. Deleon Hollinger ended the game with 10 receptions for 70 yards. Antwan Allen led the SSU defense with 10 tackles. Late in the third quarter, Derek Williams hit a career-long 46 yard field goal to cut SSU's deficit to 31–10.

ODU quarterback Thomas DeMarco finished the game with 198 yards (14-of-20 passing) and three touchdowns without an interception.

Edward Waters College

Homecoming
The Tigers ended a 6-game losing streak with a 45–24 Homecoming victory over Edward Waters College at Ted Wright Stadium. The SSU Tigers held a 14–12 lead at halftime and Edward Waters cut the score to 21–18 early in the third quarter, but the SSU eventually pulled away outscoring Edward Waters, 31–12 in the second half. Running back Justin Babb ran 13 times for 167 yards and scored four touchdowns. Babb also caught three passes for a team-high 89 yards. Sophomore quarterback Kurvin Curry was 13-of-26 passing for 234 yards and threw two touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked three times, but ran 21 times for 64 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown.

Savannah State's had 485 total yards of offense while Edward Waters had 358 yards. The loss dropped Edward Waters to 0–9 on the season.

Webber International

NAIA Webber International finished its season by winning four of its last five games including a 35–20 victory against the Tigers. The Warriors took a 14–10 lead over the Tigers in the second quarter and never trailed again.

The Tigers had 227 yards of total offense in the game. Quarterback Kurvin Curry was 18-of-35 passing for 171 yards and threw two touchdowns, but was intercepted twice. Senior wide receiver Deleon Hollinger had a team-high six catches for 47 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Derek Williams kicked field goals of 42 and 29 yards in the game and made both of his extra-point attempts.

During the game SSU defensive lineman Channing Welch left the game with an injury that required him to be placed on a backboard and taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The lose was the Tigers third to a lower-division team under second-year coach Robby Wells.

North Carolina Central University

The Tigers had 173 passing yards and 173 rushing yards, but fell to North Carolina Central 35–14.

The Tigers finished the 2009 football season at 2–8.

Awards

• Senior wide receiver Deleon Hollinger was listed as an honorable mention on the 2009 All-HBCU Football Team presented by Consensus Draft Services.
• Kurvin Curry and Derek Williams were named to the Phil Steele College Football Previews 2009 pre-season All-Independent Team. Curry was named as quarterback of the First Team Offense while Williams was named as a punter and placekicker for the First Team Special Team.

Team

class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;">		Team	Opp
Scoring	202	324
Points per Game	20.2	32.4
First Downs	172	191
Rushing	83	81
Passing	71	100
Penalty	18	10
Total Offense	3,149	3839
Avg per Play	4.8	5.9
Avg per Game	314.9	383.9
Fumbles-Lost	13–3	21–13
Penalties-Yards	70–569	80–702
Avg per Game	56.9	70.2

class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;"> Team Opp Punts-Yards  58–2,156  43–1,617   Avg per Punt  37.2  37.6 Time of Possession/Game  28:52  30:56 3rd Down Conversions  60 of 150 (40%)  47 of 130 (36%) 4th Down Conversions  2 of 16 (12%)  13 of 23 (57%) Touchdowns Scored  25  45 Field Goals-Attempts-Long  9–14  6–9 PAT-Attempts  23–23 (100%)  36–42 (86%) Attendance  25,806  23,800   Games / Avg per Game  5 / 5,161  4 / 5,950

Scores by quarter

Rushing

Name	GP	Att	Gain	Loss	Net	Avg	TD	Long	Avg/G
Babb, Justin	10	129	839	35	804	6.2	6	81	80.4
Beaurem, Thomas	8	3	15	0	15	5.0	0	6	1.9
Collins, Donnell	4	3	0	31	-31	-10.3	0	0	-7.8
Curry, Kurvin	10	146	559	223	336	2.3	6	30	33.6
Depilippis, A.J.	7	22	81	22	59	2.7	0	25	8.4
Heslop, Daniel	9	32	177	6	171	5.3	1	32	19.0
Hollinger, Deleon	10	2	11	0	11	5.5	0	9	1.1
Jeanbaptiste, S.	10	2	0	3	-3	-3.0	0	0	-3.0
Johnson, Dan	3	1	0	3	-3	-3.0	0	0	-1.0
Johnson, Michael	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Russell, Rashard	5	11	87	0	87	7.9	0	21	17.4
Taylor, Javares	9	13	34	47	-13	-1.0	0	8	-1.4
Taylor, Stefon	5	2	13	0	13	6.5	0	11	2.6
Total	10	366	1,816	370	1,446	4.0	13	81	144.6
Opponents	10	367	1,853	325	1,528	4.2	13	80	152.8

Passing

Name	GP	Effic	Att-Cmp-Int	Pct	Yds	TD	Lng	Avg/G
Curry, Kurvin	10	115.4	110–202–7	54.5	1,278	9	52	127.8
Defilippis, A.J.	7	99.5	46–82–5	56.1	425	3	32	60.7
Total	10	110.8	156–284–12	54.9	1,703	12	52	170.3
Opponents	10	160.6	176–281–4	62.6	2,311	27	69	231.1

Receiving

Name	GP	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Avg/G
Babb, Justin	10	24	231	9.6	3	52	23.1
Heslop, Daniel	9	3	27	9.0	1	13	3.0
Hollinger, Deleon	10	51	509	10.0	4	40	50.9
Holmes, D.	1	1	5	5.0	0	5	5
McMullen, Chris	1	1	5	5.0	0	5	5.0
Taylor, Javares	9	27	214	7.9	0	26	23.8
Leggett, Byron	9	20	350	17.5	1	32	38.9
Talley, Deron	8	18	256	14.2	2	47	32.0
Taylor, Stefon	5	6	46	7.7	1	21	9.2
Rivera, Ricky	4	5	66	13.2	0	26	16.5
Total	10	156	1,703	10.9	12	52	170.3
Opponents	10	176	2,311	13.1	27	69	231.1

Defense

Name	GP	Tackles				Sacks	Pass Defense			Fumbles		Blkd Kick	Saf
		Solo	Ast	Total	TFL-Yds	No-Yds	INT-Yds	BrUp	QBH	Rcv-Yds	FF
Allen, Antwan	10	34	45	79	3.0–8
1–21	6	1
1
Allen, Coy	4	4	1	5
Alston, Travis	7	7	7	14	3.0–6	0.5–3
3
Asbury, Chris	10	32	22	54	1.5–8
Babb, Justin	10
1	1
Briscoe, James	6	3	4	7	0.5–2
Chambers, Cedric	3	1	2	3
Clay, Nate	1	1
1
Cochran, Vince	9	28	23	51	7.5–23
1
1–0
Cooper, Justin	8	14	10	24
1–19	5
Curry, Kurvin	10	1
1
Edwards, D.	5	1
1
Gaines, Phillip	4	2	4	6	0.5–0
Goodman, Juvaro	8	7	3	10	1.0–2
1
Hollinger, D.	10	1
1
Holt, Toriano	1
1	1
Howard, Johnny	8	7	13	20	3.0–8	0.5–3
1–0
Hunt, Tametric	10	8	11	19	4.0–11	1.5–2
1
Hunter, Darren	7	15	4	19
1–3	3
JeanBaptiste, S	10	27	23	50	7.0–25	2.5–11
1	1
Jefferson, J.	8	18	15	33
4
1
Kuku, Michaek	8	13	15	28	3.5–9
1
1–0	1
Leggett, Byron	9	1
1
McCall, Brent	4	2	2	4
Miller, Brandon	2	2
2	1.0–3
Myers, Stephan	2	1	2	3	1.0–1
Ndem, Edward	9	32	24	56	1.5–4
1–19	6	7
1	1
Printup, Deshawn	1
1	1
Redfield, L.	10	27	23	50	7.0–25	2.5–11
1
Reed, Chris	10	25	25	50	11.5–62	6.5–43
2	2	2–0	2	2
Robertson, J.	9	10	14	24	2.0–13
2–0
Rucker, Richie	7	9	4	13
1
1–0
Russell, Rashard	5
1
Smith, Matthew	5	7	5	12
2
Talley, Deron	8	1
1
TEAM	3
1–0
1
Thomas, Anthony	10	10	17	27	1.0–3
1
1–0
Thomas, Patrick	3	2	2	4
2
Welch, Channing	8	14	13	27	9.0–40	2.5–13
1
Williams, Derek	10	3	1	4
Williams, Emery	1	1
1
Total	10	365	334	699	71–268	18–85	4–62	36	6	13–0	12	6	1
Opponents	10	361	326	687	65–291	25–181	12–331	26	38	3–0	2	1

Special teams

Name	Punting								Kickoffs
	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TB	FC	I20	Blkd	No.	Yds	Avg	TB	OB
Defilippis, A.J.	1	48	48.0	48	1	0	0	0	3	152	50.7	0	0
Tarver, Vance	2	68	34.0	38	0	0	0	0	3	172	57.3	0	0
TEAM	1	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Williams, Derek	54	2,040	37.8	58	5	5	12	1	40	2,170	54.2	0	0
Total	58	2,156	37.2	58	6	5	12	1	43	2,342	54.5	0	0
Opponents	43	1,617	37.6	64	2	0	7	2	62	3,647	58.8	7	3

Name	Punt Returns					Kick Returns
	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long
Allen, Antwan	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	26	26.0	0	26
Beaurem, Thomas	0	0	0.0	0	0	19	332	17.5	0	38
Campbell, C.	0	0	0.0	0	0	2	71	35.5	0	43
Heslop, Daniel	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	9	9.0	0	9
Hollinger, D.	12	191	15.9	0	38
Hunter, Darren	1	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
JeanBaptiste, S.	1	6	6.0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0
Jefferson, J.	0	0	0.0	0	0	11	254	23.1	0	48
Proctor, Antonio	0	0	0.0	0	0	11	196	17.8	0	23
Rivera, Ricky	2	39	19.5	0	21	0	0	0	0	0
Russell, Rashard	1	18	18.0	0	0	6	130	21.7	0	36
Veasy, Steven	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	0	0.0	0	0
Total	17	254	14.9	0	38	52	1,018	19.6	0	48
Opponents	26	159	6.1	0	39	40	884	22.1	0	56

External links

• Savannah State Tigers football at SSUAthletics.com
• Official 2009 Schedule
• 2009 Cumulative team statistics at SSUAthletics.com