Tennessee State built a big lead and then held on to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 41-28 in the annual Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis. This game was long on big plays and outstanding efforts, but TSU scored just enough to improve to 2-1, while UAPB dropped to 1-3.
Here are the takeaways from Saturday night’s game.
Both quarterbacks shined brightly
Any football team’s offense starts with good quarterback play, and both TSU’s Draylen Ellis and UAPB’s Mekhi Hagens were the brightest stars in their teams’ performances.
Hagens was 5-for-7 on the Golden Lions’ first drive, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to JaVonnie Gibson for the game’s first score. He would go on to complete 15 of 31 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns.
Ellis has a little better luck with completion percentage, going 20 of 31 for 228 yards and three touchdowns as well.
Both teams can take heart that they have the right guy leading their offenses into battle.
TSU made their own breaks
The Tigers created some opportunities for themselves that led to scores almost immediately. Dayron Johnson’s 31-yard punt return in the first quarter got TSU close enough for a quick 3-play, 18-yard drive that ended in the go-ahead touchdown by Jalen Rouse. Emmanuel Baez blocking a punt led to Ellis connecting with Jalal Dean for a four-yard touchdown, giving TSU a 31-14 halftime lead.
Battle of the trenches goes to the Tigers
UAPB’s having to pass a lot to get back in the game may have something to do with it, but Tennessee State’s offensive line did a great job of creating lanes for their running backs, collecting 196 yards on the ground compared to 53 for Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Strong offensive line play will be key for TSU once they start Big South-OVC play.
UAPB’s fight will shock a SWAC West team this season
Alonzo Hampton has instilled a pride in UAPB that has kept them battling long after games have been decided, and closing to within 10 points Saturday night is proof of that. Their opponents in the SWAC West should not look at the Golden Lions as a game to put a “W” beside their name before playing them. If those teams aren’t careful, Arkansas-Pine Bluff could be a surprise in the Wild Wild West this season.
