Tigers Use Big First Quarter To Claim 42-28 Homecoming Win

The Tennessee State Tigers used a huge first quarter to defeat the Murray State Racers 42-28. With the win the Tigers improve to 4-5, 3-2 OVC.

The TSU Tigers scored their first three TDs every way possible, offense, special teams and defense. The Tigers first score was set up by senior DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who blocked a Murray State 31-yd field goal at the 8:42 mark of the first quarter. The block was his fourth of the season and his third of a field goal. Tigers running back Javarris Williams proceeded to lead the Tigers down the field 85 yards on four carries and scored on an 18 yard touch down run to make it 7-0 with 7:08 remaining in the quarter.

TSU receiver Chris Johnson scored the next TD, returning a punt 77 yards to put the Tigers up 14-0 at the 5:12 mark. The next score came from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who continued his heroics, picking off Murray State QB Jeff Ehrhardt’s pass and returning 71 yards TD at 3:22, pushing the score to 21-0 after the first stanza.

TSU built a 28-0 lead with 11:07 remaining in the half when junior Javarris Williams rushed for the second of his three TDs on the night. The Racers answered with a TD at the 7:01 mark and entered the locker room with the score 28-7.

The Racers began the second half by successfully executing the first of two on-side kicks and scored the first points of the second half and close the score to 28-14 (9:05). TSU answered with Javarris Williams at the 4:23 mark with another TD and moved ahead 35-14.

Tennessee State moved ahead 42-14 to open the fourth quarter (14:19) on a Calvin McNairl 1-yd run. Murray State scored twice more in the quarter (7:01 & 00:18) to close to the final margin 42-28.

On the game, TSU yielded 528 yds of Total Offense (198 rush, 330 pass) to Murray State while chalking up 349 yds of Total Offense (280 rush, 69 pass). The running attack, best of the season, was lead by junior running back Javarris Williams who rushed for 155 yards on carries 20 with 3 TDs. Sophomore Terrence Wright rushed for 103 yards on 18 carries.

The Racer were lead by freshman quarterback Jeff Ehrhardt who was 36 of 46 for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns . Ehrhardt also lead the Racers in rushing for 103 yards on 30 carries.

“The fast start showed that we were excited to play,” said TSU head coach James Webster. “I am proud how the team bounced back after two tough loses.”

The Tigers next game will be Thursday (11/08) in Birmingham, Alabama at Samford University. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00p and will be telecast live on ESPNU-TV.