NASHVILLE — Tennessee State will face No. 14 seed Montana in the FCS First Round on Saturday night, with kickoff set for 9:15 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, with an extended pregame show airing on WNSR Nashville Sports Radio starting at 8:30 p.m. CT. The Tigers are making their first postseason appearance since 2013 and will look to make a statement against a tough Montana team in the opening round of the playoffs.
Tennessee State (9-3) vs. #14 Montana (8-4)
Date: Sat., November 30, 2024
Time: 8:15 PM MT / 9:15 PM CT / 10:15 PM ET
Location: Missoula, Mont.
Venue: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217)
TV: ESPN2 / ESPN+
Roxy Bernstein (pxp)
Jay Walker (analyst)
Radio: WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Sirius XM: Ch. 390 | 980 (app)
Stream: TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, Alexa (Play WNSR)
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Nick Guerriero (analyst)
Howard Gentry Jr. (analyst)
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | MT
Game Day Information: Watch | Live Stats
SERIES INFORMATION: This marks the first all-time meeting between TSU and Montana.
TSU IN THE FCS PLAYOFFS: Formerly known as the NCAA DI-AA Playoffs, TSU is 2-4 heading into its seventh contest on Saturday. Tennessee State University has a rich history in the FCS playoffs, with multiple appearances over the decades. While their first three games in 1981 and 1982 were later vacated, TSU initially made an impression with a narrow overtime loss to No. 3 South Carolina State in 1981 and a 20-19 victory over No. 5 Eastern Illinois in 1982. In 1986, TSU defeated No. 9 Jackson State, 32-23, before falling to No. 1 Nevada. The Tigers returned in 1998 and 1999 but suffered losses to No. 7 Appalachian State and No. 16 North Carolina A&T, respectively. TSU's most recent playoff success came in 2013, when they beat Butler, 31-0, before falling to No. 2 Eastern Illinois. Despite setbacks, TSU's resilience and impact on FCS playoff history remain notable.
| Date |
Results |
Score |
Opponent |
Location |
Attendance |
| Dec. 5, 1981* |
L (OT) |
25-26 |
No. 3 South Carolina State |
Orangeburg, S.C. (State College Stadium |
12,000 |
| Dec. 4, 1982* |
W |
20-19 |
No. 5 Eastern Illinois |
NASHVILLE (Hale Stadium) |
|
| Dec. 11, 1982* |
L |
7-13 |
No. 1 Eastern Kentucky |
Richmond, Ky. (Hanger Field) |
7,338 |
| Nov. 29, 1986 |
W |
32-23 |
No. 9 Jackson State |
Jackson, Miss. (Veterans Memorial Stadium) |
24,000 |
| Dec. 6, 1986 |
L |
6-33 |
No. 1 Nevada |
Reno, Nev. (Mackay Stadium) |
13,102 |
| Dec. 6, 1998 |
L |
31-45 |
No. 7 Appalachian State |
Boone, N.C. (Kidd Brewster Stadium) |
3,885 |
| Nov. 27, 1999 |
L |
10-24 |
No. 16 North Carolina A&T |
NASHVILLE (Adelphia Coliseum) |
10,736 |
| Nov. 30, 2013 |
W |
31-0 |
at Butler |
Indianapolis, Ind. (Butler Bowl) |
1,928 |
| Dec. 7, 2013 |
L |
10-51 |
at No. 2 Eastern Illinois |
Charleston, Ill. (O'Brien Field) |
4,825 |
| Nov. 30, 2024 |
|
|
at No. 14 Montana |
Missoula, Mont. (Washington-Grizzly Stadium) |
|
* Denotes vacated appearances
CAREER STATS BY THE NUMBERS:
7 : Draylen Ellis has entered the top 10 in career passing yards at Tennessee State, now sitting at seventh all-time with 5,835 yards. His achievement places him among TSU's historic quarterbacks, marking a significant milestone in his career.
NATIONAL STATS BY THE NUMBERS:
4: Boogie Trotter is tied for fourth nationally in fumble recoveries with three on the season. He has been a key defensive contributor for Tennessee State, showing his ability to capitalize on turnovers. AdditTionally, Trotter leads the Big South-OVC in this category, highlighting his impact within the conference. His knack for being in the right place at the right time has helped TSU's defense create extra possessions, making him a pivotal player for the Tigers this season.
5: Tennessee State is ranked fifth nationally in kickoff returns for touchdowns, with two touchdowns on 29 returns this season, averaging 26.79 yards per return and accumulating 777 yards. The standout performer in this category has been CJ Evans, who scored both of the Tigers' kickoff return touchdowns. Evans returned kicks for 99 yards against Howard and 98 yards against UT Martin in back-to-back games, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability. His dynamic returns have been a key factor in TSU's success and have helped position the Tigers among the nation's top teams in this category.
8: Ahmad Nelson is currently ranked 11th nationally in solo tackles per game, averaging 5.2 per contest. The senior linebacker from Tennessee State has made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, also ranking 8th nationally in total solo tackles with 62 on the season. Nelson's ability to consistently make solo stops has been a key component of TSU's defensive success, and he continues to play a vital role in the Tigers' defensive efforts throughout the 2024 season.
9: Tennessee State ranks ninth nationally in defensive touchdowns, with three total touchdowns scored off turnovers this season. The Tigers have been impactful on defense, recording 2 fumble return touchdowns and 1 interception return touchdown. This strong defensive play has been a key factor in their success, contributing to their ability to create turnovers and capitalize on opportunities. TSU's defense is among the top teams in the nation in this category, showcasing their ability to disrupt opponents and turn defensive plays into points.
99: CJ Evans has tied for first nationally in kickoff returns for touchdowns, with two touchdowns on the season. Evans has returned 14 kickoffs for a total of 777 yards, averaging 26.79 yards per return. His two return touchdowns came in back-to-back games against Howard and UT Martin, with impressive runs of 99 and 98 yards, respectively. His explosive speed and ability to break free have made him one of the most dangerous returners in the country, helping lead Tennessee State to a top-five national ranking in kickoff return touchdowns.
349: Tennessee State is ranked ninth nationally in tackles for loss, with 87 total tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The Tigers have recorded 64 solo tackles for loss and 46 assisted tackles for loss, totaling 349 yards lost by opposing offenses. This aggressive defensive effort has allowed TSU to average 7.3 tackles for loss per game, placing them among the top teams in the country. TSU's ability to disrupt plays in the backfield has been a key component of their defensive success this season.
ALL BS-OVC BY THE NUMBERS:
9: Head Coach Eddie George — a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award — was named Big South -OVC Coach of the Year and led the Tigers to a 9-3 overall record and their first conference championship since 1999, as well as the program's first FCS Playoff berth since 2013. TSU won nine games for the first time since 2013. Recognized as the Stats Perform HBCU Team of the Week twice this season, George's squad enters the postseason ranked in both National Top 25 polls. The Tigers scored 40 points in a game four times this season, had a four-game win streak from Sept. 28-Oct. 19, and did not lose consecutive games all season. Tennessee State ranks ninth in the country with 7.3 tackles-for-loss, had three defensive touchdowns, recovered 10 fumbles, owns the Association's top kickoff return average (26.79), has thrown the fewest interceptions (7), ranks first in the conference in passing defense (195.8) and pass efficiency defense (116.15) and lost the fewest turnovers (15).
72: Sanders Ellis — a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award — as the nation's top freshman, was also named the Big South-OVC Defensive Freshman of the Year after he claimed BS-OVC Freshman of the Week five times during his rookie campaign. In 12 regular season games, he had 72 tackles (42 solo) to go along with 11.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery. Ellis enters the postseason averaging 6.0 tackles/game, which ranks 11th in the Association, while his 0.96 TFL/game is seventh. Among freshmen he ranks sixth nationally in tackles.
524: CJ Evans — First Team – has been a dynamic force in the return game for Tennessee State this season, earning a First Team All-OVC spot as a kick returner. Over 12 games, Evans tallied 524 yards on 14 returns, averaging an impressive 37.4 yards per return. His standout performances included two touchdowns, with long returns of 99 yards against Howard and 98 yards against UT Martin. His ability to turn kickoffs into explosive plays has been a crucial asset for the Tigers, with Evans consistently providing his team with excellent field position and electrifying the crowd with his breakaway speed.
56: Boogie Trotter — First Team — has been a key defensive standout for Tennessee State this season, earning a First Team All-OVC selection as a defensive back. Trotter has posted impressive numbers with 56 total tackles, including 41 solo stops, and has contributed 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. He has also made his mark in the interception column, recording one interception against Eastern Illinois. Trotter's best performance came on November 9 at Western Illinois, where he posted a season-high seven tackles. His versatility on the field also includes six pass breakups and a blocked kick, further showcasing his impact on both the defensive and special teams units.
3.5: Connor Meadows, — First Team — a key figure on the Tennessee State offensive line, has played an integral role in the team's success this season as the right tackle. His contributions have been pivotal in helping the Tigers average 228.92 passing yards per game and 111.8 rushing yards per game. As a primary blocker, Meadows has been crucial in protecting quarterback Draylen Ellis, allowing for 22 passing touchdowns. Additionally, his efforts in the run game have helped TSU gain 1,341 rushing yards, with 15 rushing touchdowns, despite the team averaging 3.5 yards per rush attempt. Meadows' ability to block both in the passing and running game is reflected in his consistent performances, enabling the Tigers to maintain a balanced offensive attack and rank among the top teams in total offense with 4,088 yards.
286: CJ Evans — Second Team — has been a dynamic threat for Tennessee State in the 2024 season, making a significant impact as an all-purpose player. Through 12 games, Evans has accumulated 524 total yards, showcasing his versatility in the backfield, as a receiver, and on special teams. He has rushed for 286 yards and three touchdowns, including a season-high 63 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In the receiving game, Evans has added 293 yards and four touchdowns, with a career-high 107 yards against Southeast Missouri State. His ability to contribute on kick returns has also been crucial, as he has tallied 524 yards on 14 returns, including two touchdowns. Evans' all-purpose yardage has been vital to the Tigers' offensive success, with his ability to make plays in multiple phases of the game making him a key weapon for TSU.
68: Ahmad Nelson — Second Team — has been a key contributor to the Tennessee State defense in the 2024 season. In 12 games, he has recorded 68 total tackles, including 45 solo and 23 assists. His standout performance came against Eastern Illinois, where he posted a season-high 12 tackles. Nelson has added 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. He has also been effective in limiting big plays, contributing to the Tigers' defensive efforts throughout the season.
46: Jalen McClendon — Second Team — has been a standout defender for Tennessee State in the 2024 season. The defensive back has posted 46 total tackles, including 18 solo stops and 28 assists, with his highest tackle total of 7 coming against Eastern Illinois. McClendon also recorded 1 interception at Howard and has been a consistent presence in the secondary. His ability to make key plays has earned him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the top defensive player in FCS football.
83: Karate Brenson — Second Team — has been a key contributor to Tennessee State's offense in the 2024 season. The wide receiver has totaled 884 receiving yards on 60 catches, with 4 touchdowns, and his longest reception of the season was an 83-yard catch at Howard. Brenson's most productive game came against Howard on October 19, where he recorded 153 receiving yards. He also had a strong showing against Eastern Illinois, tallying 121 yards on 6 catches, including a touchdown. Brenson has been a consistent threat in the passing game, averaging 14.7 yards per reception.
49: Eriq George — Second Team — has been a strong defensive presence for Tennessee State in the 2024 season. The linebacker has totaled 49 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. His standout performance came against Lindenwood on October 5, where he registered 2 sacks and 22 yards lost. George also recorded a season-high 7 tackles in the game against UT Martin on November 2. His defensive versatility has been evident, with multiple tackles for loss in several games, including a 2.5 TFL performance against Mississippi Valley State. George has also contributed with pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
WEEK 13 BY THE NUMBERS:
6.5: Tennessee State's defense was dominant at the line of scrimmage, recording four sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss against Southeast Missouri. Leading the effort was Cameron Blaylock, who tallied a sack for 12 yards and added another tackle for loss. Boogie Trotter contributed significantly with 1.5 tackles for loss, including a seven-yard sack, while Eriq George and Brandon Wilson each added sacks to keep SEMO's offense in check. The Tigers' ability to disrupt plays in the backfield was crucial, limiting SEMO's scoring opportunities and showcasing TSU's aggressive and disciplined defensive front.
22: Tennessee State's defense delivered a game-changing moment against Southeast Missouri, sparked by Keandre Booker and Cameron Blaylock. Early in the contest, Blaylock showcased his playmaking ability by forcing a critical fumble, setting the stage for Booker's heroics. Booker capitalized on the loose ball, scooping it up and racing 22 yards for a defensive touchdown that shifted momentum in favor of the Tigers.
56: TSU receiving corps shined in their upset win over Southeast Missouri, with CJ Evans and Jalal Dean leading the way in scoring. Evans delivered a standout performance, hauling in six catches for 107 yards, including a game-long 56-yard touchdown reception. Dean contributed three receptions for 30 yards and a key 12-yard touchdown catch. Karate Brenson added consistent production, tying for the team lead with six receptions for 65 yards. The group showcased depth, with six other players contributing receptions to help power the Tigers' offensive success.
115: Jaden McGill led the backfield, carrying the ball 18 times for 73 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt with a long run of 15 yards. Quarterback Draylen Ellis added a dynamic element with 46 rushing yards and a 42-yard touchdown run, finishing with an impressive 6.6 yards per carry. Jordan Gant and CJ Evans each chipped in with eight net yards, while Jalen Rouse added a short gain. The Tigers' diverse rushing contributions helped control the tempo and sustain drives in the upset victory.
232: Quarterback Draylen Ellis delivered a standout performance, completing 20 of 31 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Ellis showcased poise and accuracy, avoiding interceptions and connecting on a season-long 56-yard pass. Despite facing pressure, he was sacked only once, effectively managing the game and leading the Tigers' offense to a pivotal win over the nationally ranked Redhawks.
