Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
Tennessee State will look to build on the momentum of last week’s win over Howard when the Tigers host Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium. TSU snapped a five-game skid with the 24-7 victory, while the Leathernecks enter the matchup on a five-game losing streak after falling to Charleston Southern. Both teams will be in search of their first conference win of the season in the 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
SERIES INFORMATION: This is the second all-time meeting between Tennessee State and Western Illinois. Last season, TSU defeated the Leathernecks in Macomb, 45-20, in a rain soaked affair.
Tennessee State (2-5, 0-3) vs Western Illinois (1-7, 0-4)
Date: Sat., October 25, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM CT
Location: NASHVILLE
Venue: Nissan Stadium (69,143)
TV: ESPN+
Dan Laing (pxp)
Darren Arbet (Analyst)
Radio: WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Sirius XM: Ch. 988 (app)
Stream: TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, Alexa (Play WNSR)
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Dean Cokinos (analyst)
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | WIU
Game Day Information: Watch | Live Stats
OVC-BS CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Micah Gay posted a game-high 11 tackles — including four solo stops — while adding a quarterback hurry and two interceptions. His first pick came in the second quarter and set up a TSU touchdown that gave the Tigers a 14-7 halftime lead. He sealed the win with a second interception in the fourth quarter, helping the Big Blue hold off the Bison down the stretch.
WEEK 8 BY THE NUMBERS:
2: Interceptions by Micah Gay, tying his career high and fueling two scoring drives.
3: Touchdown passes by McNair to three different receivers.
4-for-4: Red-zone efficiency by the Tigers offense (3 TDs, 1 FG).
9: Tackles for loss by the TSU defense, including four sacks.
11: Total tackles recorded by Micah Gay to lead the defense.
18-of-22: Byron McNair’s passing line, good for 82% accuracy and three touchdowns.
47: Rushing yards by McNair, highlighted by a 40-yard scamper on the opening drive.
67: Rushing yards allowed by the Tigers on 33 Howard carries (2.0 avg).
14,056: Fans on hand at Nissan Stadium for the first Nashville meeting between TSU and Howard.
