NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State football[/easyazon_link] has announced the schedule for the 2016 season. The slate will consist of four home games, including the 18th annual John Merritt Classic, six road games and a trip to Memphis for the 27th Southern Heritage Classic.
The season kicks off with the Tigers hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Nissan Stadium for the John Merritt Classic on Sept. 3. The Lions last visited TSU in 2012, a 40-13 homecoming win for the Big Blue. [easyazon_infoblock align=”right” identifier=”B011DSUJ6W” locale=”US” tag=”hbcusports-20″]
The annual meeting with Jackson State in Memphis on Sept. 10 follows the season opener. TSU is currently on a four game win streak against the Tigers.
The Big Blue continues its nonconference portion of the season with a trip to Daytona Beach, Fla., to take on Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 17.
TSU will host three Ohio Valley Conference games at home, including UT Martin (Oct. 1), Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 15 – Homecoming) and Tennessee Tech (Nov. 12).
Road Conference games consist of Eastern Illinois (Oct. 8), Murray State (Oct. 29), Austin Peay (Nov. 5) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 19).
On Oct. 22, the Tigers will step out of conference play to head across town to take on Vanderbilt. It is the first of two scheduled games against the Commodores over the next three seasons.
Locations are still being confirmed and game details are subject to change. Game times will be announced at a later date.
2016 Tennessee State Schedule
Sept. 3 – Arkansas-Pine Bluff (John Merritt Classic)
Sept. 10 – Jackson State (Southern Heritage Classic)
Sept. 17 – at Bethune-Cookman
Sept. 24 – Off Week
Oct. 1 – UT Martin
Oct. 8 – at Eastern Illinois
Oct. 15 – Eastern Kentucky (Homecoming)
Oct. 22 – at Vanderbilt
Oct. 29 – at Murray State
Nov. 5 – at Austin Peay
Nov. 12 – Tennessee Tech
Nov. 19 – at Southeast Missouri
