INDIANAPOLIS --- The Tusculum Pioneers continue to be one of the national leaders in pass interceptions with the release of this week's NCAA Division II football statistics.

The TU defense has recorded six interceptions this year through four games which are the most in the South Atlantic Conference and are ranked eighth in the country.

Sophomore defensive back Dayquan Diston has accounted for half of the picks with his three interceptions which are the most in the SAC and ranks third in NCAA II. Diston tied a school record with his two interceptions in last Saturday's home game with Emory & Henry. He is also listed 30^th in the nation in passes defended averaging 1.33 per contest (3^rd in SAC).

Tusculum is tied for the conference lead with one defensive touchdown, that coming on Xavier Gunn's pick-six against Lenoir-Rhyne earlier this month.

TU's ranked 16^th in the nation in rushing offense averaging 226.8 yards per game (4^th in SAC). TU is 19^th in passing yards per completion (15.31 – 2^nd in SAC), 41^st in fewest tackles for loss allowed per game (5.00 – 6^th in SAC), 44^th in time of possession (31:42 – 4^th in SAC), 46^th in total turnovers gained (6 – 1^st in SAC) and 48^th in rushing defense (112.8 ypg – 4^th in SAC). TU's special teams are also listed 37^th in blocked kicks (1 – 2^nd in SAC).

Sophomore running back Lex Dinwiddie leads the team with his 267 rushing yards which are seventh-most in the league and 39^th in NCAA II.

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday when they travel to UVA Wise for a 2 p.m. contest against the Highland Cavaliers.