Tennessee State’s offense seemed to find its way in the second quarter, scoring 21 points and racking up 182 yards. However, the unit sputtered in the second half ( scoring no points and generating 92 yards in 33 plays) as Tennessee State was defeated by Alabama A&M in the first leg of the Legacy Series, 23-21.
Alabama A&M got on the board first with a 26-yard field goal off the foot of Victor Barbosa, caping off a 9-play, 62-yard drive, putting the Bulldogs up 3-0 at the 8:25 mark of the opening period.
After being pinned in at their own 2-yard line, Alabama A&M responded with an impressive 9-play, 98-yard drive that ended in a Cornelious Brown IV 5-yard scoring toss to Myles Parker than extended the AAMU advantage to 10-0 at the 13:51 mark of the second period.
The Tigers answered with an 8-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 5-yard Kendric Rhymes touchdown run that pulled TSU to within 3 at 10-7. Tennessee State’s defense forced a three-and-out on Alabama A&M’s next possession, putting their offense right back on the field. The TSU offense, seemed to be in a groove, marched 68 yards in 9 plays, reaching the endzone on Zack SimmonsBrown’s 27-yard burst up the middle, putting the Tigers out in front for the first time on the afternoon at 14-10 with 4:29 left in the half.
Alabama A&M was able respond with a 9 play, 67-yard drve of their own that resulted in a another 26-yard field goal from Barbosa that trimmed the TSU lead to 14-13 with just 1:39 left in the half.
A 51-yard return by Lelan Wilhoite set up the Tennessee State offense at the AAMU 49 yard line. TSU took advantage of the excellent field postion six plays later when Byron McNair connected with Rhymes on a -1-yard reception, bringing the score to 21-13, a lead TSU would take into halftime. The score marked their third consecutive touchdown drive of the afternoon.
Alabama A&M got right to work on their opening possession of the second half, traveling 84 yards in 8 plays, ending in a 30-yard toss from Brown to Daveon Walker that brought the count to 21-20.
Alabama A&M took the lead on its next possession on Barbosa’s third field goal of the day, a 45-yard boot, that pushed the Bulldogs back in front, 23-21. Byron McNair was sacked and fumbled on the potential go-ahead drive with 1:30 left in the contest. The fumble was recovered by the Bulldogs’ Xzavier Brooks, sealing the game for Alabama A&M.
Cornelious Brown IV completed 21-33 passes for 329 tards and 2 touchdowns. Travaunta Abner led the Bulldogs’ receivers with 6 receptions for 104 yards.
In a losing effort, Byron McNair completed 17-of-27 passes for 157 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Kendric Rhymes ran for 111 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
Up next for Tennessee State, following their bye week is a meeting at home with Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles defeated the Tigers last season 24-14.
Alabama A&M takes on Lane College on September 20 at 6 pm.
