Saturday, the Tennessee State Tigers take on the Skyhawks of UT Martin in a pivotal Big South-OVC. TSU, like last season, find themselves at 6-2, but faltered down the stretch, losing their last three games. In that vein, this matchup also has the potential to be a defining, breakthrough moment for the Tennessee State program under Eddie George.
The Tigers are coming off a bye-week, but in their most recent outing, t Tennessee State dispatched Howard 24-17, spoiling Homecoming at The Mecca. Draylen Ellis completed 19-of-30 passes for 289 yards and also ran for 28 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries. Wide receiver Karate Brenson continued his breakout campaign with a 5-catch, 153-yard performance, which was his second consecutive game topping 100 yards receiving. Jalen McClendon recorded 3 tackles and for his hands on a Jashawn Scroggins pass for one of the two interceptions the defense was able to force; Tyler Jones picked off Scroggins as well. The win pushed Coach Eddie past a .500 win percentage at 21-20 all-time.
UT Martin is coming off a 52-17 donkey kicking off Eastern Illinois in their most recent outing. The Slyhawks’ defense held the Big South-OVC worst rushing attack, which averages 69.3 yards per game to an more anemic 48 yards. The Panther’s longest run of the game was a 9-yarder from MJ Flowers. As they held down EIU’s run game, UT Martin was able to generate 212 yards on the ground, with Patrick Smith leading all ball carriers with 87 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 13 attempts.
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UT Martin features Patrick Smith, who leads the Big South-OVC in rushing with 836 yards and rushing touchdowns with 12. Smith has been able to achieve this without a heavy workload averaging only 16.7 attempts per contest. Smith averages 104.5 yards per game, which is tops in the Big South-OVC, however, the Vanderbilt transfer does hide best work against conference foes, averaging 127 yards per contest. With that type of ball carrier in their backfield, UT Martin will look to get him the ball and likely at a higher clip than in previous contests. Although the Tennessee State defense has been prepared and ready for the challenge that Smith and the Skyhawks running game present, Smith will run for positive yards in the game, and TSU will be able to limit large runs.
Image coanTennessee ShrîIt will be vital for Tennessee State’s defense to get off the field which means limiting UT Martin on third down. The Skyhawks are third in the Big South-OVC in third-down efficiency, converting 39.8 on their attempts. Conversely, Tennessee State must convert third downs. The UT Martin defense leads the conference in third down conversions against, as they only allow a 28.2 conversion percentage. Tennessee State must be able to win on first and second downs to keep third downs manageable, thus increasing the likelihood of successful conversions. The UT Martin defense is second in the Big South-OVC in interceptions, meaning Draylen Ellis will have to continue to make smart decisions and maintain the consistent play he has displayed for most of the season. Although the Skyhawks defense is adept at picking off passes, as a whole the unit is the third worst in the conference at defending the pass, there will be opportunities for the Tennessee State passing game to take advantage of.
The Skyhawk’s defense may be shaky against the pass, but they are the creme of the Big South-OVC crop when it comes to defending the run, allowing just 88.5 yards per contest. UT Martin has only allowed two backs to breach the 100-yard barrier on the season – 124 from Kansas State’s DJ Giddens in the season opener and Edward Saydee of Gardner-Webb who ran for 112 yards. Tennessee State possesses the third least prolific run attack in the Big South-OVC, averaging just 105.9 yards per contest. If Tennessee State is unable to solve the Skyhawks’ they will be in serious trouble.
Prediction, in what will be a hard-fought physical contest, it will be Tennessee State that will be left standing when the clock hits 00:00. Not willing to repeat the mistakes of last season, the Tigers will display a refuse-to-lose attitude that will put them over the top.
Final Score: Tennessee State: 27 UT Martin: 23
