Carson-Newman: A Return to Familiarity
Highlights from Carson-Newman vs. Reinhardt (Week 1)
[Ashley Ingram during is introductory press conference, Dec. 13, 2023. Photo via Carson-Newman Athletics Website]
When Ashley Ingram was introduced as the new head coach of Carson-Newman’s football program on December 23, 2023, one thing was certain; The triple option was back.
Carson-Newman Football was a perennial NAIA/ Division 2 power house for 36 years under Head Coach Ken Sparks up until when Sparks announced his retirement following the 2016 season. From 1980-2016, Sparks led the Eagles to 10 National Championships (winning 5) and became one of the winningest programs in College Football history, ending 5th all-time in total wins and 4th in winning percentage. Coach Sparks after a long battle with prostate cancer would pass away later that following year in 2017 at the age of 73. Since then, Carson-Newman has had two head coaches up until the conclusion of the 2023 season. Enter Ashley Ingram.
Ingram previously spent 16 seasons as offensive line coach at the Naval Academy. During his time, Navy was nationally ranked first or second in rushing offense on 6 different occasions and ranked sixth or better in 14 of 16 seasons. Navy, a proponent of the flex-bone triple option, made Ingram a perfect fit for the Eagles. During Coach Sparks 36 year run, Carson-Newman ran the veer offense, and longtime fans of the program have long yearned for the glory years of option football.
Carson-Newman vs. Reinhardt (2024, Week 1)
The Eagles opened the game with a punt block deep in Reinhardt territory resulting in a a recovery in the end zone and an Eagles touchdown. After which, they never looked back. With the flex-bone offense in full attack the Eagles routed Reinhardt 50-7, rushing for 388 yards on 61 carries and 5 TD. They added another 109 yards through the air on 5-6 attempts and 1 TD. All of which was against a Reinhardt team that finished 8-3 in 2023 after ringing out 7 straight wins to end the season and earn a playoff birth. Reinhardt is 26-7 over the last three seasons and have seen the playoffs every season of Head Coach James Miller’s stint dating back to 2017.
Highlights from Carson-Newman’s offensive debut below:
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