NASHVILLE — For the first time since 1999, the Tennessee State University football team has claimed the title of OVC Champions after a thrilling 28-21 victory over #11 Southeast Missouri at Nissan Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This hard-fought win solidified their place in the annals of college football history, marking a significant turnaround for the program.
Now, after this monumental win, the Tigers find themselves in a nail-biting wait until Sunday morning, when their fate in the highly-anticipated 2024 FCS Playoffs will be revealed during a live broadcast on ESPNU at 12:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM CT.
The Tigers improved their overall record to an impressive 9-3 and finished the Ohio Valley Conference season with a commendable 6-2 record, while the Redhawks also concluded with a matching record of 9-3 and 6-2 in conference play.
Draylen Ellis spearheaded the passing game for Tennessee State, showcasing his skills with an impressive 232 yards through the air. He demonstrated efficiency by tossing two touchdowns while avoiding any interceptions, not to mention contributing an additional 46 yards and one touchdown on foot.
Jaden McGill proved to be a key player in the rushing department, amassing a total of 73 yards throughout the game, with an average of 4.1 yards per carry, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive strategy.
Ellis’ primary target in this impactful matchup was Cj Evans, who excelled with six receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. Additionally, Karate Brenson also had a notable performance, catching six passes for a total of 65 yards.
Keandre Booker led the fierce defensive efforts for Tennessee State, making significant contributions including one fumble recovery. Meonta Kimbrough was also outstanding, earning 1.0 tackle for loss, one sack, and forcing a fumble, while Boogie Trotter made his mark with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and another sack, underlining the team’s defensive prowess in this crucial match.
The Tigers triumphed in the turnover battle, forcing one turnover while maintaining possession without any giveaways. This statistic played a crucial role in their successful outing against a challenging opponent.
Tennessee State’s defense stood tall against Southeast Missouri State’s offense, allowing only 308 total yards, demonstrating their grit and determination on the field.
How It Happened
Tennessee State seized an early advantage, securing a 7-0 lead against Southeast Missouri State after scoring the game’s opening points on their very first drive. With relentless momentum, the Tigers built their lead to a commanding 21-0 before Southeast Missouri could respond.
Despite a valiant attempt from Southeast Missouri State to narrow the gap to 21-14, Tennessee State countered with another touchdown, extending their lead to 28-14 with just under 15 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. While they did not score again, Southeast Missouri State added a late touchdown, making it a final score of 28-21.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State outgained Southeast Missouri State, accumulating a total of 347 yards compared to their opponent’s 308, with a 115-75 advantage on the ground.
» Winning the turnover battle 1-0 after recovering a fumble was pivotal for Tennessee State.
» The Tigers set an early tone for the game, scoring first with just under ten minutes left in the first quarter and never relinquishing their lead.
» Remarkably, 75% of Tennessee State’s total score was achieved in the first quarter as they racked up 21 points right off the bat.
» Tennessee State converted 5 of 14 third downs, while Southeast Missouri State managed 5 of 16.
» Sanders Ellis led the Tigers with eight tackles, exemplifying his defensive leadership.
» The team was flawless on fourth down, converting 1-for-1.
» Tennessee State managed to control the clock effectively, winning the time of possession with 31:43 compared to Southeast Missouri State’s 28:17.
» The Tigers’ explosive start set the stage for their victory, scoring 21 unanswered points before the Redhawks finally found their rhythm.
» On the opposing side, Paxton DeLaurent led Southeast Missouri State’s passing attack, completing 27 of his 46 pass attempts for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
» Tristan Smith emerged as Southeast Missouri State’s leading receiver, finishing with 70 receiving yards.
What are Coach Eddie George’s thoughts on the team’s journey to winning the OVC Championship at Tennessee State University?
**Interview with Tennessee State University Football Coach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach! Congratulations on the big win over Southeast Missouri that earned you the OVC Championship title for the first time since 1999. How does it feel to lead the team to this significant achievement?
**Coach:** Thank you! It feels incredible. This championship is the result of a lot of hard work from our players, coaching staff, and everyone involved in the program. To see the team’s commitment pay off like this is truly rewarding. It’s a testament to our determination and the progress we’ve made together.
**Interviewer:** The game itself was quite thrilling, with a final score of 28-21. Can you walk us through the key moments that led to this win?
**Coach:** Absolutely. We started strong, scoring on our first drive and establishing momentum early. Getting a 7-0 lead right away helped set the tone. Our offence executed well, particularly Draylen Ellis, who not only threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns but also rushed for a touchdown. This kind of performance was crucial in keeping Southeast Missouri on their heels.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of Draylen, can you share your thoughts on his performance throughout the game?
**Coach:** Draylen was phenomenal. His ability to manage the game and make smart decisions under pressure was impressive. His connection with our receivers, especially Cj Evans, who had over 100 yards receiving, was a key factor in our offensive success. Their chemistry really showed.
**Interviewer:** Defense also played a huge role in this victory, only allowing 308 total yards and creating one turnover. How important was that on the road to victory?
**Coach:** Our defense stepped up big time. Players like Keandre Booker and Meonta Kimbrough made significant plays, including a crucial fumble recovery and key tackles for loss. Winning the turnover battle was a game-changer, and it showcases the discipline and focus our defense maintained throughout the game.
**Interviewer:** Now that you’ve secured the OVC Championship, what are you focused on as you prepare for the upcoming FCS Playoffs?
**Coach:** We’re excited to see how our season will continue. The playoffs are a new challenge, and we’ll approach each game with the same determination and preparation that got us here. Our goal is to keep improving and play the type of football that can take us far in the postseason. We’re eager to find out what matchup awaits us on Sunday.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Coach, for sharing your insights and once again, congratulations on the championship!
**Coach:** Thank you! Go Tigers!