NASHVILLE — The Tennessee State football team is set to conclude its regular season with two of its final three on the road starting at Western Illinois on Saturday. They will then travel to Gardner-Webb next weekend, followed by hosting Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 23.
Tennessee State (6-3) vs. Western Illinois (3-6)
Date: Sat., November 9, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM CT
Location: Macomb, Ill.
Venue: Hunter Field (16,368)
TV: ESPN+
Russ Einstein (pxp)
Kannon Wynkoop (analyst)
Caiden Strenz (sideline)
Radio: WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Sirius XM: Ch. 385 / 975 (app)
Stream: TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, Alexa (Play WNSR)
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Nick Guerriero (analyst)
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | WIU
Game Day Information: Watch | Live Stats
SERIES INFORMATION: This is the first all-time meeting between Tennessee State and Western Illinois.
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:
1: Boogie Trotter has emerged as one of the most opportunistic defenders in the FCS, tying for the national lead in fumble recoveries with three on the season. Trotter shares the top spot with Leroy Harris III (Chattanooga), Kasyus Kurns (Tarleton State) and Gavin Willis (Bucknell).
73: TSU's defense has been relentless this season, tying Mercer for the FCS lead in total tackles for loss. Through nine games, the Tigers have recorded 73 tackles for loss, averaging 8.1 per game. TSU has forced opponents back for a total of 304 yards, showcasing their ability to disrupt offensive momentum. The Tigers' strong defensive front has been crucial to their 6-3 record, consistently setting the tone and making them a formidable force in the OVC.
98-99: Tennessee State's CJ Evans has emerged as a dynamic special teams threat, leading the Big South-OVC and tying for the FCS lead with two kick return touchdowns this season. Evans shares this top spot with elite returners, including Keyondray Jones-Logan (South Dakota), Chandler Brayboy (Elon), Travis Terrell Jr. (Jackson State), and Darnell Deas (Bethune-Cookman). Additionally, Evans is listed twice in the FCS top 10 for longest kick returns for a score, with a 99-yard return against Howard and a 98-yard return against UT Martin.
WEEK 10 BY THE NUMBERS:
7: Cameron Blaylock delivered his most impressive performance of the season, recording a season-high seven total tackles (three solo, four assisted) and 2.5 tackles for loss for five yards against UT Martin. Blaylock's previous season-high for tackles was three, achieved in three separate games (Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Tennessee Tech, and Charleston Southern). His 2.5 tackles for loss also set a season-best, surpassing his previous high of 1.5 TFL against Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
28: James Lowery was perfect on extra points in the Tigers' recent game against UT Martin, going 3-for-3. This season, Lowery has converted 28 of 29 PATs, maintaining perfection in all games except one (Eastern Illinois).
98: CJ Evans returned his second kickoff for a touchdown this season, this time a 98-yarder against UT Martin. With his team trailing 21-0 late in the first quarter, Evans took the kickoff and scored to cut the margin. The return is tied for the 10th longest kickoff return in the FCS this season; Evans previously had a 99-yard return against Howard. He is one of five players nationally with two kick returns for touchdowns this season. Evans averaged 46.7 yards on three returns, rushed for seven yards, and caught two passes for 16 yards, finishing with 163 all-purpose yards. He has nine total kickoff returns this season, averaging 44.38 yards per return.
312: Draylen Ellis had a strong performance for Tennessee State in their comeback attempt against UT Martin, completing 33 of 53 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. After TSU fell behind early, Ellis helped shift momentum with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Williams in the first quarter, cutting UT Martin's lead to 21-14. Ellis kept the Tigers within striking distance with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jalal Dean in the third quarter, making it 28-21. In addition to his passing, Ellis contributed 29 rushing yards on five carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
