NASHVILLE - Tennessee State put together a nine-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in an 18-yard rushing touchdown from Draylen Ellis with 5:13 left in the ballgame to give the Tigers a 24-17 win over Norfolk State on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium.
The win improved Tennessee State's record to 4-2 on the season while the Spartans fell to 2-4.
Jordan Gant totaled 84 yards to lead the Tigers' ground attack in the game, picking up 4 yards per carry along the way. Jalen Rouse also tacked on 68 yards on the ground, picking up 4 yards per carry. Ellis chipped in with 57 yards and one touchdown as well, picking up 7.1 yards per carry.
Gerand Turner pulled in one catch for 34 yards and one score.
Bryce Phillips led the Tennessee State defensive effort, totaling five tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one interception. Terrell Allen added seven tackles, 4.0 TFL, and two sacks and Lathun Snipes had 1.0 TFL and one sack in the win.
Tennessee State put together a stellar outing on the ground, totaling 212 rushing yards while averaging 4.2 yards per carry and out-rushing Norfolk State by 62 yards.
Tennessee State's defense held up against Norfolk State's offense, giving up 279 total yards.
How It Happened
Tennessee State got on the scoreboard first and took a 3-0 lead on the game's opening drive. The Tigers then extended the lead to 10-0 with another score as Ellis found Canen Adrian in the back of the end zone for a TD.
Tennessee State kept Norfolk State off the scoreboard and extended its lead to 17-0 with 5:17 left in the first quarter. Norfolk State came back to tie the game at 17-17, but the Tigers answered back with an 18-yard touchdown run to jump back in front 24-17. Neither team scored again in the game.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State outgained Norfolk State 343-279, including a 212-150 advantage on the ground.
» The Tigers scored first with 13:10 left in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» Tennessee State tallied 17 points in the first quarter, accounting for 70.8% of their total score.
» Tennessee State converted 5 of 13 third downs while Norfolk State was successful on 3 of 12.
» Monroe Beard III led the Tigers with 10 tackles.
» Tennessee State won the time of possession battle 34:41 to 25:19.
» Tennessee State got off to a hot start in the contest, putting 17 unanswered points on the board before Norfolk State could respond.
» Otto Kuhns led the Spartans passing attack, completing 10 of his 27 attempts for 129 yards with one interception.
» Jason Wonodi led the Norfolk State rushing attack with 48 yards.
The Tigers will return to Nissan Stadium next Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. matchup against Lincoln (CA).
