title image via SI
Despite their Charleston Southern opponents having more rushing yards, 219, than TSU’s total offensive output, 206, ran 25 more offensive plays and possessed the ball for a staggering 41:29, the Tigers of Tennessee State managed to find a way to pull out a13-9 win.
After a scoreless opening period, Tennessee State opened up the game, capping a 10-play, 62-yard drive when quarterback Draylen Ellis connected with Bryant Williams to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead. Charleston Southern got on the board late in the half via a 37-yard field goal off the foot of Reid Montgomery bringing the score to 7-3. Dayron Johnson fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which was recovered by CSU’s Kimo Hiu at the TSU 24-yard line. Three plays later Montgomery’s second field goal in less than 30 seconds sliced the Tennessee State advantage to just 7-6 heading into the second half.
Charleston Southern took their first lead of the evening at the 6:29 mark when Montgomery’s third field goal, this one from 20 yards, put the Bucs up 9-7. After multiple fruitless possessions, Tennessee State saved its best drive for last, putting together an impressive 13-play, 92-yard drive that reclaimed the lead when/ Jodan Gant scampered in from 19 yards out. The two-point conversion attempt was intercepted by Davion Williams, leaving the score 13-9.
Charleston Southern reached the Tennessee State 22-yard line, however, the clock was a twelfth defender as it struck triple zeros, thus ending the Bucaneers’ game-winning aspirations.
Ahmad Nelson and Sanders Nelson led Tennessee State with 11 tackles each. Chris Walker recorded 1.5 sacks; Eriq George added 0.5 sacks.
Up next for Tennessee State (3-2, 1-1) is a road matchup with Lindenwood. Last season, in the first meeting between the schools, TSU defeated Lindenwood 43-20.
