TSU's Offense Wins Blue/White Game 36-25

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Tennessee State football closed out the spring on Saturday afternoon at Hale Stadium as the Blue (offense) defeated the White (defense) 36-25.

Quarterbacks Holt Claiborne and Ryan Turnage split time behind center as Claiborne was 14-of-28 for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Turnage finished the day 11-of-16 for 141 yards and a TD.

TSU ran for only 29 yards on 29 carries. Darion Hall led all running backs with 16 yards on seven carries.

Tight end Wesley Samuels was the leading receiver with six catches for 58 yards. Freshman WR Levatiae Kelly was impressiive with 66 yards on four catches with a touchdown and TE A.C. Leonard added four catches for 43 yards.

Linebacker Mike West led the Tiger defense with seven total tackles, including two tackles-for-loss.

Both of the TSU touchdowns came in the second quarter through the air. Turnage and Michael Whitaker connected for a 37-yard score, while Claiborne and Kelly followed that with a nine-yard touchdown of their own.

The offense went into the locker room at halftime holding a 25-15 advantage.

The defense started the second half with a pair of three-and-outs, which earned them four points. Three points was awarded to the defense for a turnover, two for forcing a three-and-out, and one point for a sack and holding the offense scoreless on a possession. The offense earned two points for a pass over 15 yards and one point for a first down or a run over 10 yards. A touchdown resulted in six points for the scoring side.

The Tigers open the 2013 regular season at home when they face Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, September 1 at LP Field in the 15th annual John A. Merritt Classic.

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2013 TSU Spring Game Program

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION