COLUMBIA, S.C. – Benedict College head football coach Mike White was hoping for a baby step forward heading into last week's contest against Elizabeth City State University. Instead, it was a big leap backwards and forced the Tiger coaching staff back to the drawing board for this week's game against Central State University.

Benedict, now 0-2 after back-to-back lopsided losses, is looking for a significant improvement against the Marauders, who come in at 1-1 after a dominating win last week against Clark Atlanta.

For the Tigers, this week has been spent on getting better in all phases of the game – offensively, defensively and on special teams.
 

Game:	Central State University Marauders at Benedict College Tigers
Kickoff:	6 p.m.
Radio:	WLXC Kiss 103.1 FM
Audio stream:	http://www.kiss-1031.com/

"I wasn't looking for a big, huge improvement from game one to the second game, but I was looking for some improvement, just a baby step and I would have been happy with that," White said. "I thought I would see the improvement overall as a football team, and we really did not get that accomplished. I thought we did a few things better. We played the run a little bit better, but we're still having issues on defense, and too many turnovers and breakdowns on special teams."

The Tigers are coming off last week's loss to Elizabeth City State that saw them turn the ball over 10 times – four fumbles, four interceptions and two blocked punts.

"Offensively, the game plan last week was to simplify it so the quarterback would get the ball out of his hands and we wouldn't have what happened last week. It's just disappointing to see that," White said.

White said the Tigers worked on improving their punt protection this week. One blocked punt last week was the result of a high snap, while the other was a result of the team trying to give a break to a starting player and substituted him with a backup, who missed his blocking assignment.

"We made some changes on punt protection to try to give some of those first guys, starters, a little bit of break, and it kind of backfired on us," White said. "I think we got that sewed up this week. I do think we'll do a better job on our punt team and our punt protection. "

Offensively, the Tigers have scored one touchdown in two games. The offense did finish with 128 yards rushing last week, an 85-yard improvement from week one, but White said the running game is still too inconsistent.

"You see a play or two that looks like the way you drew it up, then you see four or five where the back is getting hit in the backfield," White said. "We're still having issues on the offensive line. Until we get that taken care of, again we're going to have inconsistencies in the run game. The staff has been working hard to have some balance in the run and pass, but I think we've got to tighten up our offensive line in the run game first and then move forward."

Defensively, the Tigers are giving up 52 points a game. Injuries, especially at linebacker and in the secondary, are taking a toll early in the season.

White said the Tigers will have their hands full again this week with the Maruaders, who scored seven touchdowns last week against Clark Atlanta. Quarterback Marquis Wells threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score.

"Their quarterback is a very athletic, running quarterback," White said. "I think the conference is loaded with passers who can run, or should I say just the opposite, runners who can throw the ball really. They're very big up front and they like to push you around and run the ball and put that quarterback in a lot of run-pass situations."

Defensive lineman Artell McMillan, who led the SIAC in sacks last year, headlines a Marauder defense that returns five preseason All-SIAC performers.

"Defensively, they're going to try and attack us," White said. "I think most teams right now, and the way our quarterback is playing, they're going to try and choke off our run and try to force our quarterback to beat them. We're going to have to try to get some guys in a three step passing game, try to get our quarterback a little bit easier rhythm so he gets off to a better start."