title image via Tennessee State Athletics
Falling behind 14-0 within the first four minutes, it appeared the competing portion of the game would be short-lived. However, the Tennessee State defense found its way, allowing just two field goals of the ensuing 56 minutes of gameplay, along with timely plays from the TSU offense to claim a resilient, 24-20 win.
After their defense forced a Tennessee State three and out on the game’s opening drive, the Lindenwood offense needed just 3 plays to travel 75 yards, reaching the endzone when quarterback Nate Glantz connected with Jeff Caldwell on a 34-yard scoring pass to put the Lions up 7-0 at the 13:04 mark of the quarter. On the ensuing Tennessee State possession a Draylen Ellis pass intended for Karate Benson was deflected by Jonah Rubadue right into the waiting arms of Frank Caldwell, who returned it 15 yards to the house to put Lindenwood up 14-0 with 11:44 left in the first quarter.
Later in the period, Tennessee State engineered an 11 play, 75 yard drive to finally get on the board, that sliced the lead in half when Tevin Carter rumbled in from 3 yards away to bring the score to 14-7. Lindenwood would next get on the board at the 6:04 mark when Logan Seibert connected on a 23-yard field goal to extend their lead to 17-7. Following a Tennessee State turnover on downs that gave the ball to the Lions on their 37-yard line, Lindenwood turned that field position into points 8 plays later when Seibert booted another field goal as time expired in the quarter to extend their lead to 20-7 heading into halftime.
Ellis who finished with 196 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception on 14/26 passes, connected with CJ Evans on a 74-yard touchdown that pulled the Tigers into striking distance at 20-14. After a Tennessee State possession that ended with a
quick three and out, Cortez Jones fumbled the ensuing punt. Spencer Roof recovered the fumble, setting up the Tennessee State offense at the Lindenwood wood 24-yard line. The drive didn’t get the Tigers in the endzone, however, TSU inched 3 points closer at 20-17, via a 40-yard field goal off the foot of James Lowery.
Tennessee State claimed the lead in the fourth quarter via a drive that was kept alive by a fumbled punt recovered by Jordan Helton and ended when Tevin Carter plunged in from a yard out that put the Tigers out in front for the first time on the afternoon at 24-20.
The would-be go-ahead Lindenwood possession was cut short when a Glantz fumble was recovered by Boogie Trotter, allowing Tennessee State to run out the clock to secure the win.
Up next for Tennessee State is hosting Eastern Illinois for homecoming. The Panthers defeated the Tigers last season 30-17.
