Tennessee State will look to build on the momentum of last week's win over Howard when the Tigers host Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium. TSU snapped a five-game skid with the 24-7 victory, while the Leathernecks enter the matchup on a five-game losing streak after falling to Charleston Southern. Both teams will be in search of their first conference win of the season in the 1:30 p.m. kickoff.

SERIES INFORMATION: This is the second all-time meeting between Tennessee State and Western Illinois. Last season, TSU defeated the Leathernecks in Macomb, 45-20, in a rain soaked affair.

Tennessee State (2-5, 0-3) vs Western Illinois (1-7, 0-4)
Date: Sat., October 25, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM CT
Location: NASHVILLE
Venue: Nissan Stadium (69,143)
 
TV: ESPN+
Dan Laing (pxp)
Darren Arbet (Analyst)

Radio: WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Sirius XM: Ch. 988 (app)
Stream: TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, Alexa (Play WNSR)
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Dean Cokinos  (analyst)
 
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | WIU
Game Day Information:  Watch | Live Stats

OVC-BS CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Micah Gay posted a game-high 11 tackles — including four solo stops — while adding a quarterback hurry and two interceptions. His first pick came in the second quarter and set up a TSU touchdown that gave the Tigers a 14-7 halftime lead. He sealed the win with a second interception in the fourth quarter, helping the Big Blue hold off the Bison down the stretch.

WEEK 8 BY THE NUMBERS:

2: Interceptions by Micah Gay, tying his career high and fueling two scoring drives.

3: Touchdown passes by McNair to three different receivers.

4-for-4: Red-zone efficiency by the Tigers offense (3 TDs, 1 FG).

9: Tackles for loss by the TSU defense, including four sacks.

11: Total tackles recorded by Micah Gay to lead the defense.

18-of-22: Byron McNair's passing line, good for 82% accuracy and three touchdowns.

47: Rushing yards by McNair, highlighted by a 40-yard scamper on the opening drive.

67: Rushing yards allowed by the Tigers on 33 Howard carries (2.0 avg).

14,056: Fans on hand at Nissan Stadium for the first Nashville meeting between TSU and Howard.