TSU Looks to Build Momentum As OVC Play Begins

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (THN News) — Tennessee State University enters conference play Saturday looking to turn its dramatic first victory of the season into momentum.

The Tigers are 1-3 after navigating a difficult nonconference schedule that included Jackson State, Georgia, Alabama A&M and Florida A&M. TSU opened with a narrow 26-24 loss to Jackson State, followed by road losses to Georgia and Alabama A&M before breaking through with a 29-26 victory over Florida A&M in Tallahassee.

That Florida A&M victory may have provided TSU with its best performance of the season. Quarterback Daylin Lee completed 18 of 27 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Freshman running back Brenton Paul rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown while catching four passes for 36 yards and two more scores.

The defining moment came in the final minute. Trailing 26-22, Lee directed a nine-play, 75-yard drive and connected with Paul for a 20-yard touchdown with 51 seconds remaining, giving Tennessee State the lead for good. TSU finished with a season-high 390 yards of offense, committed no turnovers and forced two.

Several Tigers have emerged as players to watch. Lee has thrown for 773 yards through four games. Paul leads TSU with four total touchdowns and has twice earned OVC Rookie of the Week honors. Wide receiver Jayden Guy leads the Tigers with 264 receiving yards, while Cam Bulluck has 215. Defensively, Brendan Hale leads the team with 25 tackles, while defensive lineman Brandon Collins has a team-best 3.5 tackles for loss.

NEXT UP: WESTERN ILLINOIS

Tennessee State opens Ohio Valley Conference play Saturday, October 3, at Western Illinois.

Kickoff: 3 p.m. CTLocation: Hanson Field — Macomb, IllinoisRecords: Tennessee State 1-3; Western Illinois 2-3Series: Tied 1-1TV: ESPN+Radio: 102.1 FM The Ville

Western Illinois presents a significant defensive challenge. The Leathernecks enter the matchup ranked fourth nationally in total defense at 245.2 yards allowed per game and sixth nationally in passing defense at 137.4 yards per game, according to the OVC's Week 5 preview.

For Tennessee State, Saturday represents a chance to build on the Florida A&M comeback and begin conference play 1-0 after an early schedule that tested the Tigers against several high-profile opponents.

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