During last
weekend’s, 26-16, victory over Jackson State, the TSU (2-1) defense forced six
turnovers by six different players. It was the most for the team since Oct. 13,
2005 against Tennessee Tech when the Tigers forced seven. TSU is fourth,
nationally in takeaways with nine.
Senior safety
David Van Dyke recorded one of the club’s five interceptions on the night,
giving him three picks on the year. He is currently tied for the FCS lead in
interceptions with seven other players.
Tennessee State
also only allowed one offensive touchdown versus JSU and it was just the third
touchdown surrendered by the unit on the year. Big Blue is ranked No. 6 in
points per game allowed (11.7).
GAME NOTES | LIVE STATS | RADIO | WATCH LIVE
Jackson State
managed 367 yards of total offense against TSU, but the defense still ranks
first among OVC schools in total defense (261 ypg), rush defense (116 ypg), pass
defense (145) and scoring defense.
While the defense
has been stout so far this season, the Big Blue offense is still trying to find
its way. TSU mustered 285 yards in Memphis, but just 111 of those came through
the air.
Freshman
quarterback Ronald Butler started the game for the Tigers and completed
five-of-eight passes for 69 yards in the opening quarter. He was spelled for
redshirt junior Michael German to begin the second period, but German was
4-of-14 during his 45 minutes of action for 42 yards- his lowest since his first
ever collegiate game.
While the passing
game struggled at the Southern Heritage Classic, the rushing attack flourished
with Telvin Hooks and Tim Broughton tallying 92 and 91 yards,
respectively.
During the past
two weeks, TSU has averaged 221 yards on the ground per contest.
The Tigers will
need to continue to get good results from their defense and get their offense on
track when they travel to Cookeville to square off against Tennessee Tech
(2-1).
The Golden Eagles
come into Saturday’s contest flying high, having defeated Hampton, 30-27, last
weekend. Tech’s defense was impressive against the Pirates, holding them to 245
yards of total offense.
TTU has the
second-best passing defense in the conference, allowing opponents just an
average of 153.3 yards per game through the air.
Golden Eagles
quarterback Darian Stone completed 14-of-28 attempts for 158 yards and a score
at Hampton, and most of his passes went Cody Matthews who finished the day with
nine grabs, 114 yards and a touchdown.
Stone is fifth in
the OVC in total offense per game, averaging 156.3 yards per contest.
TSU is 15-10
all-time against TTU and the Tigers are 7-2 in the past nine meetings including
last year’s 22-21, thrilling victory in the Hole. TSU also won the last contest
at Tech, 42-40, when the Golden Eagles were ranked No. 19 in the FCS at the
time.
Tennessee State is
12-13 all-time in OVC openers dating back to 1987 and the squad will try to get
back to .500 on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and fans can
watch the game online on ESPN3.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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