Cumberland University

LEBANON, Tenn. - - The Cumberland University football team used a strong offensive performance and a defense that forced three turnovers to roll past Florida Memorial University, 41-14, Saturday afternoon at Nokes-Lassiter Field.

With the win, the Phoenix improve to 3-1 on the season, while Florida Memorial falls to 2-2. Cumberland controlled the game on the ground, finishing with 321 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns while totaling 453 yards of offense.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Cumberland broke through with a 19-play, 91-yard drive that lasted more than 10 minutes. Jaylen Abston capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to give the Phoenix a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Florida Memorial answered with a 19-yard touchdown pass from David Buggs to Elijah Hopkins, tying the game at 7-7 with 9:51 remaining in the half.

Cumberland quickly regained control. Abston found the end zone again on a four-yard touchdown run, and Jake Parker added a 13-yard rushing touchdown later in the quarter to send the Phoenix into halftime with a 21-7 advantage.

Florida Memorial opened the second half with an eight-yard touchdown run from Nygel Osborne to cut the deficit to 21-14, but the Phoenix responded with 20 unanswered points to pull away.
Cumberland's defense came up with a big play moments later when Jordan Parker recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, extending the lead to 28-14. The Phoenix added another touchdown on a three-yard run by Jordan Cason before taking a 35-14 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Rashod Daniel capped the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter, finishing a 10-play, 67-yard drive that took more than five minutes off the clock.

Parker led the Phoenix on the ground with 125 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while completing 9-of-12 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Jordan Cason added 79 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, while Abston finished with 49 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The Phoenix defense forced three interceptions, with Cannon Johnson, Eli Denton and Malachi Smith each recording a pick. Cumberland also recorded four tackles for loss and a sack.

Cumberland controlled the clock throughout the contest, holding the ball for 42:25 compared to 17:35 for Florida Memorial. The Phoenix also converted 8-of-13 third downs and finished 5-of-6 in the red zone.

Cumberland will return to Nokes-Lassiter Field next Saturday for Homecoming against No. 25 Georgetown. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the Phoenix on the UrbanEdge Network or listen to the game on WANT 98.9/WCOR AM 1490.