NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State delivered one of its biggest performances of the season Saturday, knocking off No. 24 Morgan State, 25-16, at Nissan Stadium.
The Tigers combined explosive passing plays, timely defensive takeaways and a long, clock-draining third-quarter drive to earn the nine-point victory on October 17, 2026. Tennessee State limited the Bears to 16 points and 301 total yards while recording two interceptions and three sacks, according to the official box score.
Tennessee State finished with 360 total yards, including 270 through the air, and held the ball for 33 minutes and 28 seconds. Morgan State had the advantage on the ground, rushing for 139 yards, but the Tigers made the critical plays when they mattered most.
Tennessee State Strikes First
The Tigers wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.
With 13:01 remaining in the first quarter, quarterback Jaden Jones connected with Cam Bulluck for a 50-yard touchdown. The explosive play capped an 81-yard opening drive and gave Tennessee State an early lead.
The Tigers added to their advantage later in the quarter when Preston Hurless converted a 25-yard field goal following a 13-play drive that covered 60 yards.
Tennessee State carried a 9-0 lead into the second quarter, putting Morgan State in comeback mode early.
Morgan State Responds, but TSU Regains Momentum Before Halftime
Morgan State finally broke through with 12:14 remaining in the second quarter. Running back Keith Jenkins Jr. broke loose for a 28-yard rushing touchdown, finishing a two-play, 50-yard scoring drive.
The Bears added a 22-yard field goal from Gavin Fetty with 2:02 left in the half, cutting Tennessee State’s advantage to 9-10.
But the Tigers answered before the break.
With just 22 seconds remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Daylin Lee found Brock Montgomery for a 19-yard touchdown. The six-play, 84-yard drive restored Tennessee State’s lead and sent the Tigers into halftime ahead 15-10.
That late score proved important as the teams traded blows again after the break.
Third-Quarter Surge Seals the Victory
Morgan State came out of halftime looking to take control.
Quarterback Cameron Edge connected with Joseph Towler on a 30-yard touchdown pass with 11:18 remaining in the third quarter. The Bears did not convert the extra point, leaving Tennessee State trailing 16-15.
The Tigers responded with patience and precision.
Hurless drilled a 27-yard field goal with 3:47 left in the quarter, capping an 18-play, 65-yard drive that consumed 7 minutes and 31 seconds. The possession helped Tennessee State reclaim an 18-16 advantage while keeping Morgan State’s offense on the sideline.
Tennessee State then delivered the decisive blow.
With just 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Lee connected with Francisco Pratts III for an 11-yard touchdown. Hurless added the extra point to extend the Tigers’ lead to 25-16.
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, and Tennessee State’s defense protected the nine-point advantage the rest of the way.
Daylin Lee, Cam Bulluck Lead the Passing Attack
Lee paced the Tigers’ offense, completing 17 of 34 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Jones also made his opportunity count, completing his lone pass attempt for 50 yards and a touchdown to Bulluck.
Bulluck led Tennessee State’s receivers with six catches for 105 yards and a score. Montgomery added two receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, while Pratts finished with one catch for 11 yards and the game-sealing touchdown.
On the ground, Lee led Tennessee State with 63 net rushing yards on 14 carries. The Tigers totaled 90 rushing yards and finished with 18 first downs.
Keith Jenkins Jr. Gives Morgan State a Ground-Game Spark
Despite the loss, Jenkins Jr. delivered a productive performance for the Bears.
He rushed 11 times for 113 yards and a touchdown, accounting for the majority of Morgan State’s 139 rushing yards.
Edge completed 16 of 30 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Towler was a key target, catching three passes for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Morgan State finished with 14 first downs and converted two of 11 third-down opportunities. Tennessee State converted seven of 17 third downs and successfully converted both of its fourth-down attempts.
Tennessee State’s Defense Makes the Difference
The Tigers’ defense helped swing the game by generating two interceptions and recording three sacks for 18 yards lost.
Tennessee State also limited Morgan State to 162 passing yards and kept the Bears off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter.
The difference was especially evident on third down: Morgan State converted just two of 11 attempts, while Tennessee State sustained drives and controlled the clock during the second half.
The Tigers’ 18-play field-goal drive in the third quarter was particularly important, allowing the offense to regain the lead and limiting Morgan State’s opportunities to respond.
Final Stats: Tennessee State vs. Morgan State
| Team statistic | Tennessee State | Morgan State |
| Final score | 25 | 16 |
| Total yards | 360 | 301 |
| Passing yards | 270 | 162 |
| Rushing yards | 90 | 139 |
| First downs | 18 | 14 |
| Third-down conversions | 7-of-17 | 2-of-11 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 2-of-2 | 1-of-3 |
| Turnovers thrown (interceptions) | 0 | 2 |
| Sacks recorded | 3 | 2 |
| Time of possession | 33:28 | 26:32 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
16
Morgan St. 5-2 , 0-0
25
Winner Tennessee St. 2-5 , 0-2
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan St. | 0 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 16 |
| Tennessee St. | 9 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 25 |
What the Win Means
Tennessee State’s victory was built on complementary football. The Tigers generated explosive passing touchdowns, controlled possession during a pivotal third-quarter drive and forced two interceptions to help keep Morgan State from completing its comeback.
For Morgan State, Jenkins Jr.’s 113-yard rushing performance and the Bears’ second-quarter rally were not enough to overcome Tennessee State’s execution in the decisive moments.
The Tigers left Nissan Stadium with a 25-16 victory over a nationally ranked opponent, giving their season a significant boost and delivering a statement performance in front of 11,347 fans.
Final: Tennessee State 25, No. 24 Morgan State 16.
