Tennessee State Football Seeks Fifth Consecutive Homecoming Victory
NASHVILLE — Excitement is in the air as Tennessee State football is set to return home for its first of three straight home games, welcoming Norfolk State to Nissan Stadium for a thrilling homecoming showdown this Saturday. The Tigers, who boast a 70-16-5 all-time record when playing on homecoming, are eager to extend their homecoming winning streak to five as they prepare to host the Spartans. This matchup marks the second time this season that TSU will face an HBCU opponent, making it a must-watch game for fans.
The Matchup
As the Tennessee State Tigers (3-2, 1-1 BS-OVC) gear up to face the Norfolk State Spartans (3-3, 0-0 MEAC) on Sat., October 14, fans can expect a thrilling clash of football prowess. The game is set to kick off at 5:00 p.m. in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, at Nissan Stadium, which can accommodate a roaring crowd of 69,143.
For those unable to make it to the stadium, the game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with Dan Laing providing play-by-play commentary and Brad Hopkins offering expert analysis. Additionally, you can catch the action on the radio via WNSR 560 AM and 95.9 FM in Nashville and 107.9 FM in Smyrna. Sirius XM subscribers can tune in on Channel 381, ensuring fans all over the world can enjoy the game. Streaming options include the TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, and Alexa (Play WNSR). The broadcast team of Greg Pogue and Chris Sanders will keep you engaged with in-depth pregame and postgame analysis, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
Series History: A Rare Encounter
This matchup marks only the second meeting between Tennessee State and Norfolk State. The two HBCU foes first collided 51 years ago in 19721, with the Tigers securing a convincing 56-6 victory. Saturday's game promises to be a rare and exciting encounter between these historic programs.
Homecoming Dominance
Tennessee State boasts an impressive record on homecoming, with 70 wins to their name. The Tigers have won four consecutive homecoming games dating back to 2018. Their head coach, Eddie George, aims for his third straight homecoming win this season, adding to the two he secured in 2021 and 2022. It's safe to say that TSU knows how to make their homecoming festivities memorable.
Key Players to Watch
Keep an eye on true freshman Eriq George, who made a significant impact in a recent game against Kennesaw, collecting 1.5 sacks, and showcasing his potential as a defensive force. Redshirt freshman running back Jordan Gant is another player to watch. Filling in for an injured teammate, he rushed for 105 yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns in his first career start.
The Tigers' kicker, James Lowery, displayed his prowess by setting a new career-long with a 51-yard field goal. Lowery has been consistent, making five straight field goals, with all of them from 40+ yards. Linebacker Monroe Beard III has been a tackling machine, recording four consecutive games of 10+ tackles. He leads the league in total tackles with 63 and tackles per game with 12.6. Safety Jeremiah Josephs put on a show in the last game, contributing tackles, an interception, and a sack. His versatility on the field is a crucial asset to the Tiger defense.
As the Tigers prepare to defend their home turf and continue their homecoming tradition of excellence, the matchup against Norfolk State promises to be an exciting and memorable game for fans and players alike. Don't miss out on the action, and be sure to tune in this Saturday for what could be a historic win for Tennessee State football.
