Tennessee State Grinds Out Gritty Win Over Norfolk State, 24-17
In a thrilling showdown at Nissan Stadium, the Tennessee State Tigers clawed their way to a hard-fought 24-17 victory over Norfolk State on a Saturday night that had fans on the edge of their seats. With this impressive win, the Tigers improved their season record to 4-2, while the Spartans fell to 2-4, leaving a memorable mark on the gridiron.
The game unfolded with a heart-pounding nine-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in an electrifying 18-yard rushing touchdown from the dynamic Draylen Ellis, with just 5 minutes and 13 seconds left in the contest. It was a moment that ignited roars from the Tennessee State faithful and solidified their grip on victory. Leading the charge for the Tigers' ground attack, Jordan Gant showcased his prowess with a total of 84 hard-fought yards, grinding out 4 yards per carry. Jalen Rouse added to the onslaught with an additional 68 yards on the ground, matching the 4 yards per carry average. Ellis himself was no slouch, chipping in with 57 crucial yards and a critical touchdown, boasting an impressive 7.1 yards per carry.
Through the air, the Tigers found success as well, with Gerand Turner pulling in a critical catch for 34 yards and a touchdown, a pivotal moment in the game. On the defensive front, Bryce Phillips led the charge for Tennessee State, amassing five tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss (TFL), and a game-changing interception. Terrell Allen showcased his skills with seven tackles, 4.0 TFL, and a pair of crucial sacks, while Lathun Snipes added his own slice of defensive brilliance with 1.0 TFL and one sack to seal the deal. The Tigers' dominance on the ground was a key factor in this hard-fought contest, accumulating an impressive 212 rushing yards while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. This ground-and-pound approach allowed them to outmuscle Norfolk State by a substantial 62 yards.
However, it wasn't just the offense that shone in this matchup. Tennessee State's resolute defense held firm against Norfolk State's offensive efforts, limiting them to 279 total yards in a display of unwavering determination.
As for the game's narrative, Tennessee State stormed out of the gate and set the tone by taking an early 3-0 lead in the game's opening drive. They continued to build on this lead, extending it to 10-0 as Draylen Ellis showcased his quarterback skills, connecting with Canen Adrian in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
With 5 minutes and 17 seconds left in the first quarter, Tennessee State further extended their lead to 17-0, keeping Norfolk State at bay. Norfolk State, however, proved their mettle by rallying back to level the game at 17-17, but the Tigers responded in style with an 18-yard touchdown run that vaulted them back into the lead at 24-17. This ultimately sealed the fate of the game, with neither team managing to score again.
Game Notes
- Tennessee State outgained Norfolk State 343-279, holding a significant 212-150 advantage on the ground.
- The Tigers seized control early in the contest, putting up 17 unanswered points before Norfolk State could muster a response.
- The Tigers converted 5 of 13 third-down attempts, while Norfolk State found success on 3 of 12.
- Monroe Beard III was a force on defense, leading the Tigers with 10 tackles.
- Tennessee State decisively won the time of possession battle, 34 minutes and 41 seconds to 25 minutes and 19 seconds.
- Otto Kuhns led Norfolk State's passing attack, completing 10 of his 27 attempts for 129 yards with one interception.
- On the ground, Jason Wonodi led the Norfolk State rushing attack with 48 hard-fought yards.
The Tennessee State Tigers showcased their resilience and determination in this hard-fought battle, and their fans left the stadium with their hearts full and hopes high for the exciting season that lies ahead. With this victory, Tennessee State continues to build momentum and forge a path towards glory on the gridiron.
