Coming off a stunning loss to Lane College in the John Merritt Classic, Tennessee State hobbles into its homecoming matchup with Bethune-Cookman.
TSU starting quarterback Draylen Ellis missed the Merritt Classic with an ankle injury that happened in the second quarter of their 49-6 loss at Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 17.
In his absence, the Tigers’ passing attack was anemic, only producing 118 yards. His replacement, Auburn transfer Chayhil Garnett, only threw for 39 yards and contributed 14 points to the Lane cause via two turnovers. After getting the hook for the second half, sophomore signal-caller Edwin Rhodes III was a bit more productive. He completed six of his ten passes for 68 yards. He threw no touchdowns but he did not commit any turnovers, either.
Bethune-Cookman (1-3, 1-1 SWAC) enters the contest coming off a 35-27 loss to Alabama A&M last Saturday. Jalen Jones, who Wildcats head coach Terry Sims said was solid but not great this week, completed 24 of 38 passes for 353 yards and a touchdown. B-CU had four receivers — Kemari Averett, Dylan Lee, Corey Reed and Daveno Ellington compile 60 or more yards.
The issues for Bethune resided on the defensive side, specifically their inability to stop the run as the Bulldogs piled up a gaudy 288 yards on the ground. SWAC Offensive Player of the Week Donovan Eaglin had a field day against the Wildcats’ defense, rushing for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
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