BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Tennessee State scored first and never looked back on the way to a 23-20 victory over Gardner-Webb Saturday afternoon at Spangler Stadium.

The Tigers improved to 8-3 on the year and 5-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while the Runnin' Bulldogs fell to 4-7 and 3-4.

Draylen Ellis led Tennessee State's passing attack with 220 yards through the air, tossing two touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Jaden McGill led all Tigers rushers with 100 yards and one touchdown in the contest, picking up 6.7 yards per carry. Cj Evans also added 25 yards on the ground, as well as 23 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Karate Brenson reeled in eight catches for 82 yards. Jalal Dean got in on the action in the passing game as well, hauling in three balls for 59 yards.

Tyler Jones paced the Tennessee State defensive effort, collecting three tackles and one interception. Team added and Ahmad Nelson had eight tackles and 2.0 TFL in the win.

The Tigers won the turnover battle in Saturday's game, forcing one turnover while avoiding any giveways.

Tennessee State's defense held up against Gardner-Webb's offense, allowing 333 total yards.

How It Happened

Tennessee State scored first and took a 7-0 lead on the game's first drive.Another Tigers score then extended the lead to 13-0.

Tennessee State continued to expand its lead after Gardner-Webb made it a 13-12 game, scoring again with 14:53 left in the fourth quarter to go on top 20-12.The Tigers continued to extend their lead, scoring again to go on top 23-12. Tennessee State didn't score again in the game and Gardner-Webb tacked on eight more points to finish off the scoring.

Game Notes
» The win puts a log jam in the Big South-OVC heading into the final weekend with SEMO currently in first place at 6-1 and a three-way tie for second place between TSU, UT Martin and     Tennessee Tech.
» TSU's eight win season is the most wins since the 2012 season (8-3). 
» Tennessee State outgained Gardner-Webb 363-333, including a 143-126 advantage on the ground.
» Tennessee State won the turnover battle 1-0 after picking off one pass.
» The Tigers scored first with 10:34 left in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» Tennessee State had their highest scoring quarter in the first period, when they put up 13 points.
» Tennessee State converted 4 of 13 third downs while Gardner-Webb was successful on 7 of 18.
» Nelson led the Tigers with eight tackles.
» Tennessee State went 2-for-2 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
» Tennessee State won the time of possession battle 32:19 to 27:41.
» Tennessee State got off to a great start in the contest, putting 13 unanswered points on the board before Gardner-Webb could respond.
» Tyler Ridell led the Runnin' Bulldogs passing attack, completing 19 of his 43 attempts for 207 yards with one interception.
» Camden Overton was Gardner-Webb's leading receiver with 74 yards.

Up Next
» Tennessee State closes out the regular season next Saturday at home against SEMO at 3:30 p.m.