Tennessee State scored first and never looked back on the way to a 23-20 victory over Gardner-Webb on Saturday to keep its postseason and Big South/OVC championship hopes alive.
The Tigers improved to 8-3 on the year and 5-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs fell to 4-7 and 3-4. The 8-win season is the most compiled for Tennessee State since 2012.
The victory also presents a log jam in the Big South-OVC heading into the final weekend, with SEMO currently in first place at 6-1 and a three-way tie for second place between TSU, UT Martin, and Tennessee Tech.
Draylen Ellis led Tennessee State’s passing attack with 220 yards through the air, tossing two touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Jaden McGill led all Tigers rushers with 100 yards and one touchdown in the contest, picking up 6.7 yards per carry. CJ Evans also added 25 yards on the ground, as well as 23 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Jaden McGill with a 1-yard run gives TSU an eight-point lead.
14:45 | 4Q
TSU — 20
GWU — 12 pic.twitter.com/fJvhmWiwQs— Tennessee State Football (@TSUTigersFB) November 16, 2024
Karate Brenson reeled in eight catches for 82 yards. Jalal Dean got in on the action in the passing game as well, hauling in three balls for 59 yards.
Tyler Jones paced the Tennessee State defensive effort, collecting three tackles and one interception. The team added Ahmad Nelson had eight tackles and 2 tackles for loss in the win.
The Tigers won the turnover battle in Saturday’s game, forcing one turnover while avoiding any turnovers.
Tennessee State’s defense held up against Gardner-Webb’s offense, allowing 333 total yards.
Tigers able to hold off after fast start
Tennessee State scored first and took a 7-0 lead on the game’s first drive. Another Tigers score then extended the lead to 13-0.
Tennessee State continued to expand its lead after Gardner-Webb made it a 13-12 game, scoring again with 14:53 left in the fourth quarter to go on top 20-12.
The Tigers continued to extend their lead, scoring again to go on top 23-12. Tennessee State didn’t score again in the game, and Gardner-Webb tacked on eight more points to finish off the scoring.
Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics
