CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – In a high-octane Homecoming showdown, the #12 Campbellsville University Fighting Tigers leaned on a legendary performance from running back Tre' Bass and clutch defensive plays to outlast the University of the Cumberlands Patriots 49-34, moving to a perfect 5-0 on the season.

• Running back Tre' Bass delivered a historic performance, accounting for five total touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving) and 316 all-purpose yards.
• The running back's 30 points scored and five touchdowns tie the program records set by both Joe Don Looney in 1998 against Kentucky Wesleyan and by Hall of Fame running back Greg Fountain in his 2008 performance versus West Virginia Tech.
• Bass' 316 all-purpose yards gained is the second-most all-time to Jarrod Harrington's 375 in 2015 against Faulkner.
• The Tigers started the game in electrifying fashion as Ashton Auker returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.
• Quarterback Jett Engle was highly efficient in the shootout, throwing for 256 yards and three touchdowns on 15-of-20 passing.
• Defensive back CJ Cutliff was a force in the secondary, securing two crucial fourth-quarter interceptions and blocking a PAT.
• With the victory, the Fighting Tigers move to 5-0 overall and 1-0 in Mid-South Conference play as they head into a bye week.

On a day meant for celebration, the Tigers provided fireworks from the opening seconds. Ashton Auker took the opening kickoff, found a seam thanks to key blocks, and raced 94 yards to the endzone for an electrifying touchdown just 14 seconds into the game (third longest in school history). After the defense forced a quick punt, the offense took the field for its first play from scrimmage. Following lead blocks from Brok Sholtes and Dhane Montgomery on a zone toss, Tre' Bass got the edge and broke free for a 52-yard touchdown run, giving Campbellsville a stunning 14-0 lead. The Patriots battled back, scoring on a 67-yard touchdown pass to close the gap. A fumble by quarterback Jett Engle on the next possession gave Cumberlands a short field, which they converted into a game-tying touchdown, making it 14-14 at the end of a frantic first quarter.

In the second quarter, a perfectly designed direct snap to Bass saw him fake a toss to Engle and use his speed to break through the defense for a 55-yard touchdown run, putting the Tigers back on top 21-14. The Patriots answered to tie the game once again, but Campbellsville had the final say of the half. With just over a minute left, Engle motioned Auker to identify the man coverage, then stood tall against pressure to find Easton Barlow for a 41-yard touchdown pass. Cumberlands drove down to score in the final seconds, but CJ Cutliff broke through to block the extra point, preserving a narrow 28-27 Tiger lead at halftime.

The second half began as a defensive struggle until late in the third quarter. Engle bought time in the pocket, allowing Bass to wheel up the sideline. The quarterback threw it up, and Bass went over a taller defender to haul it in and tiptoe into the endzone for a 33-yard touchdown, his third of the day.

Leading 35-27 entering the fourth, the Tiger defense began to take over. Cumberlands drove deep into Campbellsville territory before CJ Cutliff snagged his first interception of the day. A few possessions later, Engle hit Bass on a swing screen pass, and a diving block from Jack Busey sprung him for a 48-yard catch-and-run touchdown, his fourth of the game, extending the lead to 42-27. After the Patriots scored to make it 42-34, they regained possession with a chance to tie the game. Reading the quarterback's eyes from his off-coverage position, Cutliff came up with his second, game-sealing interception. The offense put the final nail in the coffin as Bass, following his dominant offensive line, found paydirt one last time on a 50-yard run for his fifth touchdown, bringing the final score to 49-34.

It wasn't a perfect day for the Tigers, but led by game-changing plays from Bass and Cutliff, they made the plays they needed to in the second half. The team now heads into a bye week before a top-10 showdown against Lindsey Wilson, where they will look to avenge last season's heartbreaking loss and solidify themselves as national championship contenders.