Tennessee State and Howard meet in another homecoming matchup: What we think will happen

It’s homecoming at Tennessee State and the Tigers will host the Bison of Howard University. The meeting will be a reverse of their matchup last year, in which TSU was Howard’s homecoming opponent and the Bison will seek to return the favor, as the Tigers spoiled HU’s homecoming with a 27-14 win in the nation’s capital. 

Both teams limp into the contest with their most recent wins further in their rearview than they would prefer; Howard (3-3) is on a two-game losing streak, while Tennessee State, after winning its season opener, is currently in the throes of a five-game skid. 

Image via Tennessee State athletics

In the Tigers’ most recent outing, TSU suffered a 28-12 defeat at the hands of Southeast Missouri. The contest was another offensive slog for the Tigers, as they scored just 12 points and generated 276 yards of total offense. Tennessee State has scored just 6 touchdowns and averages a paltry 12.5 points per contest, which ranks last in the Big South-OVC and 121st of 129 FCS teams. The 254.3 yards per game of total offense the Tigers generate is the worst in the conference and ranks 121st in the country. 

Image via Howard Athletics

Howard enters the matchup fresh off a 32-14 loss to Sacred Heart, their second consecutive loss. The Bison held a 14-3 lead at halftime, but the Howard offense ground to a halt. The unit was only able to generate three first downs and just 48 yards in the second half. This ill-timed offense futility played a vital role in the Bison being outscored 29-0 by the Pioneers in the second half. 

Our prediction

Howard has been consistent with inconsistency. Despite their manic play this season, their instances of quality football dwarf that of Tennessee State. Howard’s defense, which sits atop the MEAC in both scoring defense, allowing 21.0 points per game, and total defense, surrendering 309.5 yards per game, should be able to snuff out the efforts of the least productive offensive unit in the Big South-OVC. 

With the TSU offense largely neutralised, Howard’s offense, which sits in the basement of the MEAC, averaging just 19.2 points per contest, will be able to just enough to get the Bison out of the 615 with a close but hard-fought win. 

Related posts

Leave a Comment