NASHVILLE — Fresh off a much-needed bye week, the 25th-ranked Tennessee State football team returns to action, hosting UT Martin with four games left in the regular season.
Tennessee State (6-2) vs. UT Martin (5-3)
Date: Sat., November 2, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM CT
Location: NASHVILLE
Venue: Nissan Stadium (69,143)
TV: ESPN+
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Chris Sanders (analyst)
Radio: WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Sirius XM: Ch. 387 / 979 (app)
Stream: TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, Alexa (Play WNSR)
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Dean Cokinos (analyst)
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | UTM
Game Day Information: Watch | Live Stats
SERIES INFORMATION: This is the 34th all-time meeting between Tennessee State and UT Martin. The Skyhawks have won the last three matchups and seven of the past 10 games in the series.
WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN: TSU Football can be heard on WNSR's flagship stations: 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), and 107.9 FM (Smyrna), and streamed online at WNSR.com. The broadcast is also available globally on Sirius XM. WNSR will provide comprehensive pregame and postgame analysis, exclusive interviews with coaches and players, and behind-the-scenes content for enhanced fan engagement. "The Voice of the Tigers," Greg Pogue, returns for his 13th season behind the mic and will be joined by veteran Arena Football League head coach & former Titans scout Dean Cokinos for home games and former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Sanders for road games. The action can also be streamed on the TSU Tigers app.
SEASONAL NUMBERS:
2: TSU ranks second in the Big South-OVC in forced fumbles, recording nine across eight games for an average of 1.13 per game. The Tigers trail only Lindenwood, which has forced 11 fumbles in nine games (1.22 per game).
22: TSU ranks second in the Big South-OVC in sacks, with 22 across eight games, totaling 171 yards lost for opponents. The Tigers are just one sack behind conference leader Gardner-Webb, which has 23 sacks for 196 yards. TSU's ability to pressure quarterbacks has been a key factor in disrupting opposing offenses and establishing a dominant defensive presence this season.
60: Draylen Ellis ranks second in the Ohio Valley Conference in passing with 1,772 yards across eight games. Ellis has completed 145 of 242 pass attempts with a completion percentage of 59.9%, throwing 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Averaging 221.5 passing yards per game, Ellis holds the highest efficiency rating among the top three quarterbacks in the OVC at 135.8. His longest completion this season reached 83 yards, the second-longest pass in the conference.
1,357: Tennessee State's defense has been dominant this season, leading the conference with 1,357 total passing yards allowed and 169.6 passing yards allowed per game, as well as in total yards against with 2,576. The Tigers rank second in the conference with an average of 5.0 yards per play and are tied for first with only 21 touchdowns allowed. They also sit second in total yards allowed per game (322.0) and are limiting opponents to 6.6 yards per pass attempt. Tennessee State's six interceptions place the Tigers fourth in the league.
WEEK 8 BY THE NUMBERS:
4: TSU's defense delivered an impactful performance, accumulating 4 sacks and 7 tackles for loss against Howard. Eriq George led with a 1.0 sack for 11 yards and a tackle for loss, while Keandre Booker also contributed a 1.0 sack for 7 yards. Sanders Ellis and Tyler Moore combined on a sack, each recording 0.5 sacks. Ahmad Nelson led in tackles with 10, including one for loss. The secondary was active, with Jalen McClendon intercepting a pass and returning it for 13 yards, while Tyler Jones added an interception with a 7-yard return. The Tigers' defensive effort kept Howard's offense under pressure throughout the game.
54: TSU's ground game was balanced and effective against Howard, with six players contributing rushing yards. Jaden McGill led with 14 carries for 43 net yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.1 yards per carry with a long run of 12 yards. Quarterback Draylen Ellis added 28 net yards on eight carries, including a 27-yard run and a rushing touchdown. Jordan Gant, CJ Evans, Tevin Carter, and Jalen Rouse combined for an additional 54 yards, with Evans leading the group with a 4.0-yard average. The Tigers' diverse rushing attack provided consistent yardage and key scoring opportunities throughout the game.
289: TSU's receiving corps put up a solid performance against Howard, combining for 289 yards on 19 catches. Karate Brenson led the group with an impressive 153 yards on five receptions, including an 83-yard play, the longest of the game. Jalal Dean added 55 yards on four catches, highlighted by a 50-yard gain. Jason Hoath Jr. contributed with a 33-yard reception, while CJ Evans and Jordan Gant made key short-yardage catches to keep drives alive. The diverse receiving group provided steady options for quarterback Draylen Ellis, showcasing depth and big-play potential.
317: Draylen Ellis had a strong performance against Howard, completing 19 of 30 passes for 289 yards with a long completion of 83 yards. Although he didn't throw a touchdown or interception, Ellis contributed on the ground with 8 carries for 28 net rushing yards, including a 27-yard run and a rushing touchdown.
