Tennessee State defeated Howard University last year for the Bison’s homecoming game.
The Tigers made sure there would be no payback in 2025.
Junio quarterback Byron McNair threw three touchdown passes and safety Micah Gay picked off two HU passes as the Tigers (2-5) snapped a five-game losing streak by beating Howard 24-7.
The win is Tennessee State’s seventh straight homecoming W. The Tigers’ last homecoming loss was 21-17 against Austin Peay on Oct 14, 2017.
McNair threw close to a perfect game, completing 18 of 22 passes for 174 yards with no interceptions.
His first touchdown pass took place four minutes into the game with a fade route to the right corner of the end zone that Snap Reed hauled in for a 10-yard touchdown.
Howard (3-4) countered with a 2-yard touchdown run from Anthony Reagan Jr. to even things at 7. It was all Tigers after that.
Gay intercepted a Tyriq Starks pass and returned it to the Howard 32 with 1:51 to go in the second quarter. McNair took advantage, firing a six-yard touchdown to tight end Connor Ruth for a 14-7 halftime lead.
McNair picked up his third touchdown pass late in the third quarter with an eight-yard flick to DeVaughn Slaughter. Freddy Perez (3-for-3 on PATs) added a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to close the scoring.
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Tennessee State’s defense limited the Bison to 183 total yards, 67 on the ground and 116 passing.
McNair also led TSU in rushing with 47 yards on 7 attempts. He completed passes to eight different receivers on the afternoon.
