TSU fizzles on offense in OVC loss

Tennessee State's offense started strong but stalled in the second half as the Tigers lost to Tennessee Tech 21-10 on Saturday night. It is the first time TSU (3-5, 0-4) has lost four consecutive conference games since joining the Ohio Valley Conference in 1988.

Not only did TSU's offense suddenly start to sputter in the second half, but it also failed to take advantage of the two opportunities it did have. Freshman kicker Jamin Godfrey missed field goals from 24 and 31 yards. "We have to score in the red zone and we're making too many field goal attempts, and missing two tonight didn't help our effort any," TSU Coach Rod Reed said.

McNairl gives TSU an offensive boost

Not even Tennessee State's versatile Calvin McNairl enjoying a breakout game at wide receiver was enough to give the Tigers a win over Tennessee Tech Saturday night at LP Field. McNairl started eight games at quarterback last season, then moved to receiver in the spring. The junior from Henry County came into the game as TSU's third-leading receiver with 13 catches for 145 yards and no touchdowns. He finished the 21-10 loss as the leading receiver with nine catches for 131 yards, including an 84-yard TD.

TTU FOOTBALL: Golden Eagles fend off Tennessee State

NASHVILLE -- A year ago, it was Tennessee Tech's Tim Benford making the game-saving catch to give the Golden Eagles the win over Tennessee State and clinching the Sergeant York Trophy. On Saturday night, Benford caught two touchdown catches, his sixth and seventh in OVC play this season, leading the Golden Eagles to a 21-10 victory at LP Field. In other words, Benford likes playing Tennessee State.

For TSU, injury updates are a taboo subject

Tennessee State first-year Coach Rod Reed said he recently adopted a policy for being tighter-lipped about his team's injuries, but he doesn't deny the Tigers are hurting as they try to snap their three-game OVC losing streak today. The Tigers (3-4, 0-3 OVC) hope to avoid their first 0-4 start since joining the league in 1988 when Tennessee Tech (3-4, 2-2) visits LP Field at 6 tonight. Lost for the year are:

TTU FOOTBALL: Tech, TSU battered and bruised

COOKEVILLE -- As both Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State enter this week's contest, both sidelines could look like a battlefield hospital with many wounded players are lining up the sidelines. The two teams square off in a Sergeant York Trophy contest Saturday night at 6 p.m. from LP Field. The biggest blow this season has been the loss of running back Preston Brown, who was a major focal point of the Tigers' offense.

"Everybody knows about him," Reed said. "He was the nation's leading rusher.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

ATTENDANCE: 6739


Please register TODAY at www.hondabattleofthebands.com and vote daily for your favorite band to go to Atlanta Jan. 29.