NASHVILLE —The Tennessee State football team opens Big South-OVC play on Saturday, facing Volunteer State rival Tennessee Tech as part of the Sergeant York Trophy series. TSU is coming off a 41-28 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff last Saturday at the Southern Heritage Classic.
Tennessee State (2-1) at Tennessee Tech (0-2)
Date: Sat., September 21, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Cookeville, Tenn.
Venue: Tucker Stadium (16,000)
TV: ESPN+
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)
Chris Sanders (analyst)
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | TTU
Game Day Information: Watch | Live Stats
SERIES INFORMATION: This will be the 36th all-time meeting between Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech, dating back to 1988. The series has been evenly split over the last 10 games.
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 Dean Cokinos, head coach of the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League, 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.
WEEK 3 BY THE NUMBERS
MVP — Draylen Ellis claimed the MVP of the Southern Heritage Classic after he completed 20 of 33 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, and added 25 rushing yards. Ellis threw touchdown passes of 22, 12, and 4 yards, all in the second quarter, as the Tigers built a 31-14 halftime lead.
3 — Karate Brenson, Jordan Gant and Jalal Dean each scored receiving touchdowns in the win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Brenson made the most of his two receptions, gaining 37 yards and scoring on a 22-yard play. His ability to capitalize on limited opportunities added a crucial score for TSU. Gant contributed two catches for 23 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown. Dean chipped in with three catches for 18 yards and a touchdown, his steady presence in short-yardage situations keeping the offense moving.
5-5 — Boogie Trotter also delivered a solid performance, contributing five total tackles (four solo), while Sanders Ellis matched his total with five tackles, including 2.5 TFLs for 22 yards and 1.5 sacks for 21 yards. Ellis' performance was crucial in slowing down Arkansas-Pine Bluff's offensive rhythm.
6 — Jalen Rouse rounded out the running backs' performance with 6 carries for 22 net yards and a touchdown. Though his 3.7 yards per carry was more modest compared to McGill and Evans, Rouse proved to be effective in short-yardage situations, punching in a score and keeping the pressure on UAPB's defense.
9 — Nationally, Ellis ranks ninth in passing touchdowns (6), 11th in passing yards (712), 15th in total offense (257.0 yards per game), 17th in passing efficiency (149.0), and 22nd in points responsible for per game (12.0).
14 — Keandre Booker was another key figure, recording three sacks for 14 yards as part of his five total tackles. His ability to get into the backfield consistently made it difficult for UAPB to establish their offense.
17 — Jalen Bell led the charge with six total tackles, including three solo stops. He made his presence felt in the backfield, registering 2.0 tackles for loss (TFL) for 17 yards and a sack that resulted in a 16-yard loss.
28 — Freshman Sanders Ellis was tabbed Big South-OVC Co-Freshman of the Week after recorded five tackles (three solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He helped force -21 yards with his sacks. Ellis is now ranked 28th nationally in tackles for loss per game (1.3).
38 — CJ Evans mirrored McGill's production with 9 carries for 63 net yards, also averaging a strong 7.0 yards per carry. Evans' highlight of the game came on a 38-yard touchdown run, where he broke through the defense and sprinted to the end zone, giving TSU a crucial score. His combination of speed and vision made him one of the most dangerous players on the field, complementing McGill's efforts perfectly.
51 — Bryant Williams had a standout performance, hauling in 5 receptions for 88 yards. His 51-yard catch was the longest play from scrimmage for the Tigers, showcasing his big-play ability. While he didn't find the end zone, Williams consistently moved the chains, serving as a reliable target throughout the game.
63 — Jaden McGill showcased his explosiveness, carrying the ball 8 times for 63 net yards. Averaging 7.9 yards per carry, McGill was a constant threat whenever he touched the ball. Although he didn't find the end zone, his ability to move the chains was key for the Tigers' offense, making him a reliable option throughout the game.
196 — As a team, TSU's running backs combined for 196 net rushing yards, with two touchdowns coming on the ground. This balanced and efficient rushing attack was a key factor in keeping Arkansas-Pine Bluff's defense off balance, allowing Tennessee State to control the pace of the game.
