NASHVILLE — Graduate quarterback Draylen Ellis and redshirt senior kicker James Lowery started the season on a high-note claiming the first set of OVC-Big South Weekly Awards after a 41-21 win over Mississippi Valley State last Saturday.

Ellis, was named the offensive player of the week after leading the Tigers to their first 1-0 start for the first time since 2019, with the 20-point win in the John Merritt Classic. He completed 21-of-33 passes for a career-best 356 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for seven yards.

His first touchdown pass went to Jalal Dean for 55 yards just 2:34 into the game. He added a one-yarder later in the first quarter and then a 31-yarder a minute before halftime to give TSU a 31-0 advantage at halftime.

Lowery was perfect on his kicking attempts in Tennessee State's 41-21 victory over Mississippi Valley State. The Floridian connected on two field goals (from 20 and 32 yards) and was 5-of-5 on PAT's to account for 11 points. He also had eight kickoffs, two of which went for touchbacks.

TSU looks to conquer the Red River Valley and the Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome on Saturday when it faces No.2 North Dakota State at 2:30 PM. The Nashville Sports Radio WNSR pregame show begins at 2 PM.