Dallas Cowboys signs Grambling State's RB Frank Warren

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- The Cowboys announced on Friday that they had signed running back Frank Warren (5-9, 206) from Grambling State University. Warren was the 2010 SWAC Football Offensive Player of the Year and is Grambling State's all-time leading rusher with 3,910 yards. He ranked third in the NCAA last season with 1,592 rushing yards.



Also, signed to undrafted NFL free agent contracts from HBCU Colleges and Universities were:

Atlanta Falcons: Philip Sylvester, RB, Florida A&M University

Baltimore Ravens: Michael Ricks, DB, Stillman College; Eugene Clifford, S, Tennessee State; Walter Sanders, RB, Saint Augustine's College

Chicago Bears: Jordan Miller, Southern University

Cincinnati Bengals: Steven Robinson, HB, Hampton University

Cleveland Browns: Andre Carroll, DL, Delaware State; Sidney Tarver, LB, Tennessee State; Calton Ford, OL, Norfolk State University

Detroit Lions: Brandon Bufford, DB, Howard; DeJuan Fulghum, LB, Texas Southern; Ricardo Silva, DB, Hampton; Narada Williams, DE, Fort Valley State.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalil Jackson, CB, Jackson State University

Kansas City Chiefs: David Mims, OL, Virginia Union University

Indianapolis Colts: Larrone Moore, WR/KR, Delaware State

Miami Dolphins: Quinton Spears, DL, Prairie View A&M

Minnesota Vikings: Chris Adingupu, Safety, Prairie View A&M

New England Patriots: Richard Medlin, RB, Fayetteville State University

New York Giants: Ibrahim Abdulai, DT, Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Darnell Burks, DB, Fort Valley State

Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Peguese, LB, Hampton University

Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Harrison, OT, South Carolina State University

Seattle Seahawks: Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State

Saint Louis Rams: Dionte Dinkins, CB, Fort Valley State; Arthur Thomas, DT, Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and Teryl White, DT, North Carolina Central University

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Raymond Webber, WR, Arkansas at Pine Bluff;

Tennessee Titans: Joseph Hills, WR, Tennessee State; Anquez Jackson, G, Alabama A&M University

Washington Redskins: Dante Barnes, CB, Norfolk State;

Updated: August 3, 2011, (beepbeep)

TSU will practice indoors this year

Tennessee State University athletic director Teresa Phillips adds to the Tigers growing list of capital assets for improving the student-athletes quality of life in Division I, Ohio Valley Conference Sports -- a new Indoor Football Practice Facility with field turf. The Tigers home games are played at Nashville's LP Field, home to the NFL's Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State University football.

Tennessee State is ready to break ground for a new indoor football practice facility that Coach Rod Reed hopes will break new ground in recruiting. A groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place later this month for the $3.2 million facility that is to be completed this year, Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. The date has not yet been set. The building will house an artificial surface practice field, meeting and film rooms, along with coaches offices.

It will be located at the west end of the Gentry Center parking lot and one of the first features Reed points out to prospects. "It's going to be a nice new structure and pleasing to the eye and definitely something you want recruits to see the minute they hit campus,'' Reed said. "Kids don't like practicing in cold or really hot weather. It absolutely is a recruiting tool because I don't know of any other OVC school that has an indoor practice facility." A construction notice-to-proceed was issued April 7 to Lee Adcock Construction Company, contractor for the facility.

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Tennessee State's Calvin McNairl enjoys dual role as quarterback, wide receiver

Having already proved his ability to run and throw the football, Calvin McNairl is spending spring practice at Tennessee State proving he also can catch it. The Henry County product started at quarterback eight games in 2009 and led the Tigers in rushing (628 yards) and passing (78-of-147, 920 yards). The junior shared time with senior quarterback Dominic Grooms, which left McNairl on the sideline too often, Coach Rod Reed said.

TSU star Calvin McNairl get shot as dual threat receiver and quarterback in 2010.

When Reed, the former defensive coordinator, replaced James Webster in December as head coach, keeping McNairl on the field was high on his list of priorities. So he moved McNairl to wide receiver for spring drills and expects him to play there next season when he's not at quarterback. "You want your best athlete on the field and the more you can get the ball in his hands the better,'' Reed said. "We'll have a package for him at quarterback and work him in at wide receiver." McNairl (6-foot, 210) had hoped for a shot at receiver since he was a freshman even though he had never played it before.

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Tennessee State Selects New Football Coach

Coach Rod Reed's $160,000 salary is among the highest for FCS coaches in the state. Tennessee Tech Coach Watson Brown's salary for the 2008-09 fiscal year was $149,350, UT Martin Coach Jason Simpson's was $105,000 and Austin Peay Coach Rick Christophel's was $95,917, according to figures released by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Rod Reed officially named head football coach at Tennessee State ...

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee State University president, Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, and athletics director Teresa Phillips, officially named Rod Reed head football coach. The announcement was made during a press conference (12/18) in the lobby of Kean Hall in front of family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni and former players. Reed, who served as associate head football coach in 2009, replaces James Webster who resigned on November 19, 2009. He will be the twenty-first head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers program, dating back to 1912.

Reed, 43, was a four-year letter winner at TSU (1984-88) and helped lead the Tigers to the second round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1986. Reed, who played linebacker, capped off his career as a Sheridan All-American football player his senior season. Rod is the son of the late Robert Reed, who was the first All-American for the TSU legendary football head coach "Big John" Merritt.

This will be Reed's first assignment as head coach in which he brings 17 years of experience in the coaching ranks. In addition to his time at Tennessee State, he has held positions at East Texas Baptist College, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman University (formerly Bethune-Cookman College) and Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Fla.

As a recruiter, Reed is responsible for bringing several notable players into the TSU program. Reed is noted for recruiting Javarris Williams (2009 seventh round draft pick, Kansas City Chiefs), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2008 first round pick, Arizona Cardinals), Shaun Richardson, Lamar Divens (Baltimore Ravens) and Cornelius Lewis.

Rod Reed replaces James Webster as football coach at Tennessee St.

Tennessee State University has named Rod Reed as its new football coach. Reed began as TSU's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2003, and served as top assistant to coach James Webster during the 2009 season. Webster resigned in November. Reed, 43, recruited Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a first round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, to play for the Tigers.

TSU hopes new coach can revive tradition

The hiring of Rod Reed as Tennessee State's football coach Friday is one of several steps the administration hopes to take that will elevate the program to the prominence it once enjoyed. Reed, 43, a former TSU linebacker, has been on the staff since 2003 and served as defensive coordinator and associate head coach the past two seasons. He has been interim head coach since James Webster resigned after five seasons in November. "We've always had an interest in athletics," TSU president Melvin Johnson said. "You can't live on John A. Merritt Boulevard and work on John A. Merritt Boulevard without having an emphasis on athletics. But the hiring of Rod Reed, along with the other commitments we're making, is our attempt to rejuvenate the program."

TSU was a powerhouse under Merritt from 1963-83, but the Tigers haven't won a playoff game since 1986. Reed's salary will be $160,000, the same as Webster's, TSU Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. He has not signed a contract, but Phillips said he would be given a five-year deal. Reed, who is TSU's all-time leading tackler (1985-1988), and Morehouse Coach Rich Freeman, another former TSU linebacker (1992-1995), were the only candidates who interviewed.

Watch Press Conference: Rod Reed introduced as TSU's head football coach
(Flash - Video)

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Tennessee State 20, Eastern Kentucky 17

Late Touchdown Leads Tennessee State to 20-17 Win Over EKU

RICHMOND, KY. – Preston Brown’s two-yard touchdown run with 1:34 left in the game gave Tennessee State a 20-17 win over No. 16 Eastern Kentucky Saturday night at Roy Kidd Stadium. The Tigers (3-3, 2-0 OVC) rushed for 159 yards on a Colonel (3-2, 3-1 OVC) defense that had not given up more than 100 yards on the ground all season. Tennessee State’s game-winning drive began with 5:48 left in the game. On 3rd-and-14, quarterback Calvin McNairl found Joseph Hills for 15 yards to the EKU 48-yard line. McNairl connected with Marquez Wilkens on the very next play for 29 yards to move the ball to the Eastern 19-yard line. The Tigers then put the ball in Preston Brown’s hands on six straight plays. Brown picked up 12 yards on the first two carries to get to the seven-yard line. On 3rd-and-4, Brown picked up only two to set up a huge fourth down. After a time out by both teams, Brown scored the game-winner from two yards out.

Tigers score late to top Colonels

RICHMOND, KY — With the outcome of a first-place Ohio Valley Conference showdown hanging in the balance, Preston Brown powered Tennessee State to an impressive victory. Brown scored a pair of second-half touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 1:34 left in the game, as the Tigers stunned the two-time defending conference champion Colonels (3-2, 3-1 OVC), 20-17, Saturday at Roy Kidd Stadium. Tennessee State (3-3, 2-0 OVC) put together a 10-play, 59-yard scoring drive in the closing minutes, then stopped EKU on its final possession to wrap up the win.

The victory was the second-straight for the Tigers over the Colonels. It was also just the second-ever win for TSU in Richmond. “That’s what the last drive was about — guts and pride,” TSU coach James Webster said. “That’s all that it was about. Guts and pride.” The loss snaps the Colonels’ 10-game OVC winning streak. In the past three seasons, EKU is 22-2 against league opponents, with both losses coming against Tennessee State. The Colonels ranked third in the nation (FCS) in rush defense heading into the game, but allowed a season-high 159 yards rushing to the Tigers. With Jacksonville State ineligible for the title because of NCAA-imposed sanctions, Tennessee State is the only remaining undefeated team left in the OVC.

Attendance: 7,100 @Roy Kidd Stadium, Richmond, Kentucky

Injuries take toll on TSU offensive line

Tennessee State Coach James Webster hoped to get more of his offensive line starters back before today's road game with Eastern Kentucky, but that didn't happen. The Colonels (3-1, 3-0) recorded seven sacks in last week's 36-31 win over Eastern Illinois and are ranked third in the Football Championship Subdivision against the run (52.3 yards). TSU (2-3, 1-0 OVC) will be without starting guard Justin Ridgeway (sprained ankle) and tackle Darius Myers, who underwent knee surgery Tuesday. Starting tackle Alex Davis (knee) missed his third game last week but practiced some this week and could play. Starting center Dumaka Atkins broke his ankle last season and is limited to one practice per week because of the pain he experiences after each game. "It's a big concern not having so many of our starters against Eastern Kentucky,'' Webster said. "Their front seven are very active. They're not what you might consider a big group physically. They're very quick. They don't stay blocked."

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Tennessee State football defensive coordinator and backfield coaches named

Photo: Tennessee State University head football coach James Webster.

Tennessee State Sports Information

Tennessee State University head football coach James Webster has elevated Rod Reed to defensive coordinator, adds Lee Calland and John Parker to the Tigers’ defensive coaching staff for the 2008 season.

Rod Reed, a TSU graduate and former All-American, presently serves as linebackers coach, will begin his sixth season on the Tigers’ staff. Reed returns to the defensive coordinator’s position he held in his first year at TSU. During that stint the Tigers led the Ohio Valley Conference in total defense for the first time in school history.

A keen recruiter, Reed is responsible for bringing several key players into the TSU program. Reed counts Javarris Williams, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Shaun Richardson among his recruits. He has also coached All-American and professional player Jamie Landrom (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Lee Calland joins the Tigers’ staff as a defensive backs (safeties) coach. Calland a former NFL defensive back with the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defenses. He has served stints on the coaching staffs of the London Monarchs (WFL), Southern University, Fort Valley State (GA) and Morris Brown College.

John Parker will coach the corner backs at TSU. Parker is the former head coach and defensive coordinator at Cumberland (TN) University and Cheney (PA) University; he has served stints on the staffs with the River City Rage (AFLII), East Tennessee State and Minnesota-Morris.

La Vergne's Gray commits to Tennessee State

La VERGNE, TN — All-State wide receiver Chris Gray has committed to play football next season at Tennessee State University. Gray caught 54 passes for 814 yards and nine touchdowns for the Wolverines last fall, which made him one of the most productive receivers in all of Middle Tennessee. He also was named All-Region 4-5A and first team All-Area by The Daily News Journal.

“I think there’s no doubt that he can play at that level,” La Vergne coach Will Hester said. “From my personal perspective, TSU got a steal. I feel he can play at that level and play at any level above that.”

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Gray is 6-0/189 and runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds. You may view the Rivals.com two star receiver highlight videos by clicking on this link:

http://purdue.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=61273

NFL scouts join crowd to watch TSU players

By MIKE ORGAN, The Tennessean

COOKEVILLE — Titans scout Blake Eddingfield was among eight NFL scouts and one from the Canadian Football League who attended Thursday night's game between Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.

They were there mainly to see TSU seniors Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a highly rated cornerback, and defensive end Shaun Richardson. Richardson caused a fumble, which was recovered by TSU linebacker Reno Thompson at the Tech 18 in the first quarter. That set up TSU's third touchdown in the first quarter.

Richardson finished with four tackles, including two for losses. Rodgers-Cromartie had six tackles and broke up one pass.

In addition to the Titans, scouts in attendance represented the Colts, Browns, Seahawks, Raiders, Vikings, Rams and 49ers. The scout from the CFL was from the Edmonton Eskimos.

Remember me?: TSU wide receiver Kwame Patrick, who played for Tennessee Tech Coach Watson Brown at Alabama-Birmingham last year, had five catches and 38 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Another running TD: Tech senior receiver Larry Shipp, who scored his first rushing touchdown last week against Austin Peay, scored again on a run Thursday — from 4 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Moore hurt: TSU receiver Jonathan Moore, a freshman from Maplewood, suffered an injury to his right leg on a kickoff return midway through the first quarter. Moore was helped off the field.

Eller hurt: Both teams went to one knee on the field after Tech offensive lineman Scott Eller, a Collierville native, was injured midway through the fourth quarter. Eller eventually was able to walk off the field on his own power.

Longest rush: Henry Sailes' 71-yard burst off tackle in the first quarter was the longest run from scrimmage for Tech this season.

The backup tailback's run set up the Golden Eagles first touchdown, which came three plays later on a 2-yard pass from Cass Barnes to fullback Daniel Jackson.

Long halftime: The halftime was extended to 25 minutes so that both school's bands could perform.

NFL interested in two TSU players

Photo: Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, #45, DB, 6' 2"/170 lbs.

By MIKE ORGAN, The Tennessean

The number of NFL scouts coming to see Tennessee State's top prospects continues to grow.

Eight NFL scouts, and one from the Canadian Football League, will attend the Tigers' game Thursday night at Tennessee Tech.

They will be there mainly to observe TSU's top two senior defensive players — cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and end Shaun Richardson.

A scout from the Minnesota Vikings attended TSU's practice Tuesday.

Rodgers-Cromartie and Richardson said they try to ignore the fact that representatives from NFL teams are monitoring them so closely, but it's not easy.

"It doesn't really affect me. My coaches just tell me to go out there and play the game like I'm taught and everything else will take care of itself,'' said Richardson, a 6-foot-3, 250- pounder who transferred to TSU from Joliet (St. Louis) Junior College last season.

Photo: Shaun Richardson, #13, DE, 6-3/250 lbs.

Richardson leads TSU in tackles for losses (7) and sacks (5).

He said he has recovered from a sprained knee and bruised shoulder, which hampered him the previous three games.

"I'm 100 percent and ready to go,'' Richardson said.

Rodgers-Cromartie said knowing the eyes of so many people who could steer his future are on him can be daunting.

"You realize they're watching everything you do and the way you play could have a lot to do with what happens (in the NFL draft),'' Rodgers-Cromartie said.

Rodgers-Cromartie has broken up a team-high five passes, blocked three kicks, and is averaging 22.3 yards on 17 kickoff returns.

Feeling good: Richardson isn't the only player the Tigers welcomed back to the lineup. Coach James Webster said his team, which had a bye last week, is healthier than it's been all season.

"We really needed the bye week,'' Webster said. "We've had a very tough schedule, played some very tough opponents. We needed some time just to rest up and heal up."

Basketball staff: Former Whites Creek High and Belmont basketball player Brian Collins has joined the TSU staff as a graduate assistant. Collins, who graduated from Belmont in 2006, is enrolled in graduate school at TSU.

Last-second field goal sails wide left for TSU

Photo: Tennessee State running back Javarris Williams hurdles Florida A&M's Marquiste Ramos (91) for a first down. Williams led TSU in rushing with 87 yards in 19 carries.

By GUY CURTRIGHT, For The Tennessean

ATLANTA — Tennessee State kicker Eric Benson fell to the turf in disbelief. He wasn't the only one who couldn't believe it.

"I think if he kicks it 10 times, he'll make it 10 times," Coach James Webster said.

But this was the Atlanta Football Classic, where the games almost always come down to the end and where the Tigers repeatedly have had their hearts broken.

Benson, who had made all five of his previous field-goal attempts this year, was wide left from 27 yards out with four seconds remaining as Florida A&M held on for an 18-17 victory against the Tigers on Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

"It was a good snap and a good hold," Webster said. "He just missed it."

With the miss came more frustration for TSU (2-3), which has lost six straight to FAMU (2-2). The past five all have been decided in the final minutes, but this might have been the most disappointing of all for the Tigers.

"I didn't think there was any way we'd miss that kick," said quarterback Antonio Heffner, who had set up the attempt with a 55-yard completion to Chris Johnson that carried the Tigers to the FAMU 5.

Thinking ahead

With no timeouts remaining, Heffner spiked the ball with eight seconds left. An illegal procedure penalty moved the ball back 5 yards, but it was still almost a chip shot for Benson, who had been the difference in TSU's two victories and kicked a 19-yarder earlier in the fourth quarter.

"I had all the confidence in the world that he'd make that kick," Webster said. "There was nothing in me or about me that made me think he was going to miss that kick. … I was already thinking about squibbing the kickoff."

But there was no kickoff, just jubilation on the FAMU sideline and stunned silence on the TSU side of the field.

"I told him to keep his head up," Heffner said of Benson, who was off limits to the media afterward.

"We just have to trust in God and stay strong."

As far as FAMU Coach Rubin Carter was concerned, the Rattlers' prayers were answered.

"I was thinking, 'Lord, I sure hope he misses this kick,'" Carter said.

Heffner passed for 309 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown strike to Troy Smith on TSU's third play, and ran for 67 with a 1-yard touchdown sneak. But the Tigers couldn't hold an early 11-point lead.

"We keep playing well enough to almost win, but not well enough to do it," the junior said. "It's good to come close I guess, but really frustrating to lose."

Tennessee State turnovers may force change

By MIKE ORGAN, the Tennessean

Heffner remains starter for now

Even after Antonio Heffner turned the ball over four times against Southern on Saturday night, Tennessee State Coach James Webster said he's not changing quarterbacks.

But he's not ruling out the possibility either.

If Heffner, a second-year starter, continues to be so generous with the football, he could end up on the bench.

All of Heffner's turnovers came in the second half and were big factors in Southern's 41-34 come-from-behind win over the TSU.

"When you have turnovers on your team there are two things you can do as a coach," Webster said. "You keep working on what's causing the turnovers, and then if you continue to turn the ball over you have to limit the opportunities of the individual who is turning the ball over."

Running back Javarris Williams also fumbled the ball away in the third quarter, as TSU had five turnovers in the second half after committing none in the first.

TDs and turnovers

The dilemma for Webster is that it was Heffner who helped TSU build a 27-6 first-half lead. He ran for a touchdown and passed for two others.

In the second half, however, Heffner threw two interceptions and fumbled twice. His first fumble led to a Southern TD and his second came on TSU's final possession of the game with 1:45 remaining.

On the season, Heffner has thrown seven interceptions and six touchdowns. With the two fumbles Saturday, he's been responsible for a total of nine turnovers in four games.

Webster said he was not ready to give freshman backup Calvin McNairl more time with the first team in practice.

"Heff is our starter and I still have all the confidence in the world in Heffner," Webster said. "He's just got to make better decisions with the football."

Webster has said since the preseason that Heffner pushes himself too far at times when trying to make something happen on the field. And too often, that ends up in a bungled play.

"I felt like (Saturday) he reverted back to thinking, 'I've got to make a play," Webster said. "He was pushing a little bit. He doesn't have to make a play — all he needs to do is manage the game."

Hall still out: Starting cornerback Marquez Hall, a transfer from Vanderbilt who suffered a high ankle sprain Sept. 8 against Jackson State, was still not able to play Saturday.

Starting safety Anthony Levine, who missed last week's game against Austin Peay with strep throat, returned and made five tackles.

Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands

Benson's overtime PAT gives TSU victory over Austin Peay

Photo: Austin Peay's Kit Hartsfield (43) and JayR Harper (28) force Tennessee State's Terrence Wright to fumble during the second quarter.



By MIKE ORGAN. The Tennnessean

CLARKSVILLE — For the second consecutive week, kicker Eric Benson lifted Tennessee State to a victory. This time, it was his extra-point kick in overtime that won the game for the Tigers, 33-32 over Austin Peay.

"It's the second week straight, but it's still nerve-racking," said Benson, who a week earlier kicked a decisive field goal in the Memphis rain to defeat Jackson State.

Benson's winning extra point against the Govs was actually his second clutch kick of the night. He connected on a career-long 43-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime at 26-26.

"That field goal was a little too close for comfort," Benson said. "I think God sent a little bit of wind to blow it in. That's how close it was."

It was surprising that TSU (2-1) needed divine intervention to beat the Governors (2-1).

It was Austin Peay's first game against an Ohio Valley Conference opponent since the Govs' return to the conference after leaving it and dropping scholarship football in 1996.

"I'm serious when I say I really hate that somebody had to lose this football game,'' TSU Coach James Webster said. "For Austin Peay to only be giving scholarships for (two) years and play as they did, that's a tribute to their staff and their team. I've got all the respect in the world for their football team."

The Governors earned that respect by giving TSU fits in front of a capacity crowd (8,359) at Governors Stadium. It was the first sellout since the 1970s and would have been one of the Govs' most historic victories had they pulled it out.

Big plays, big trouble

Austin Peay scored on big plays and also made TSU pay for its mistakes.

The Govs scored first on a 58-yard pass from Mark Cunningham to Jeff Lyle on the third play of the game.

Austin Peay also scored on a 67-yard punt return by former Maplewood star Terrence Holt, which gave the Govs a 19-16 lead in the fourth quarter.

After TSU pulled ahead 23-19 on a 27-yard pass from Antonio Heffner to Chris Johnson, Austin Peay's Kevis Buckley scooped up a fumble by TSU's Antonio Graham and went 64 yards for a touchdown that gave the Govs a 26-23 lead.

Benson's game-tying kick came after a TSU drive had stalled at APSU's 25.

In overtime, Benson's extra-point kick was set up to be the game winner by TSU cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who moments earlier had blocked Austin Peay kicker Isaac Ziolkowski's extra-point try. This was after the Govs had scored first in overtime on Chris Fletcher's six-yard run.

On the ensuing possession, TSU running back Javarris Williams scored his first TD of the season from two yards out to tie the game at 32. Benson then connected on the game-winning extra point.

TSU at Austin Peay matchup nears sellout

By MIKE ORGAN, the Tennessean

Ticket sales for the Tennessee State-Austin Peay football game Saturday in Clarksville have been brisk and a sellout is possible, according to APSU athletic spokesman Cody Bush.

The 6 p.m. game at Governors Stadium (capacity 10,000) marks the return for Austin Peay to the Ohio Valley Conference after dropping to non-scholarship football in 1996.

APSU's 1977 OVC championship team, which was coached by Boots Donnelly, has been invited back and will be recognized during a halftime ceremony.

Ticket prices are $7 for seniors/students and $12 for adults. Special rates are available for groups of 25 or more.

Tennessee State coach says some fans gave up on Tigers

Photo: TSU Athletic Director Teresa Phillips

By MIKE ORGAN, The Tennessean

James Webster is most proud of his Tennessee State players for not giving up on themselves and hanging on to win Saturday's game against Jackson State.

The Tigers coach is perplexed, however, by those who did give up on his team before the game ever started.

Webster said he heard from fans that threw in the towel on the Tigers after their season-opening, 49-23 loss to Alabama A&M. It was the first thing he brought up after Saturday's 16-13 win at the Memphis Liberty Bowl.

"I think there were some people who gave up on us for the season after we lost by whatever we did to Alabama A&M,'' Webster said. "That is something I don't understand."

One person who didn't give up was TSU athletics director Teresa L. Phillips, one of the first to greet the Tigers Saturday night as they came out of the locker room after rallying to win.

"Our president (Melvin Johnson) didn't give up on us and our AD didn't give up on us,'' Webster said. "And that's all I worry about because they're my boss and they're leaders. They were very supportive of us and encouraged us, and that's what matters to me."

Mentally tough

Webster said his players proved their tenacity Saturday, not becoming frustrated despite scoring only two touchdowns, and hanging tough until the final play. That's when Eric Benson kicked a 35-yard field goal in the rain for TSU's only lead.

"There was no question about it, mental toughness was the main thing we improved on from the first game to the second,'' Webster said.

"If we would have had the same mental toughness in the Alabama A&M game that we had in this game, I think we would have won the Alabama A&M game. We showed it when we were behind the entire game (against JSU) but continued to play hard."

It won't get easier for TSU this week when the Tigers travel to Austin Peay, even though the Governors were picked to finish last in the OVC in their first year back in the league. They beat Indiana State Saturday 32-17 and are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2002.

Hall's status: Starting cornerback Marquez Hall, a transfer from Vanderbilt, suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against JSU. He is day-to-day.

Field goal on final play knocks off careless JSU Tigers

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

MEMPHIS — The one-two punch of carelessness and miscommunication came at the absolute worst time for Jackson State on Saturday night.

And be-cause of that, JSU stood and watched helplessly as Tennessee State's Eric Benson kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to steal a 16-13 victory at the Southern Heritage Classic in front of an announced crowd of 50,987.

Photo: The Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Band performs at the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, TN

A sullen JSU coach Rick Comegy offered little in the way of an explanation of the team's Liberty Bowl troubles.

"We're all a little tired of excuses on this football team right now," Comegy said. "What we need instead are results."

The loss is the fifth in a row for JSU against Tennessee State, dating back to 2002. It's also JSU's sixth loss overall in seven games dating back to last season.

What was even more heart-wrenching about Saturday's final result was that the game was tied at 13 and appeared destined for overtime before two JSU (0-2) mistakes gave Tennessee State (1-1) new life.

First was the carelessness: Tennessee State was set to punt the ball away with 46 seconds remaining in the game before JSU was whistled for an illegal substitution to give TSU a new set of downs.

And on the very next play was the miscommunication: Tennessee State quarterback Antonio Heffner found Antonio Graham down the middle of the field on a wide-open 30-yard pass play, eventually setting up the game-winning field goal and a raucous TSU celebration.

"I'm not even sure what happened," said JSU linebacker Daniel Brooks of the 30-yard pass. "I was playing off adrenaline and trying to win the game. We'll have to look at the tape to see where we messed up because I truly have no idea."

Once again, Jackson State mixed and matched quarterbacks Tray Rutland and Jimmy Oliver with limited success. Rutland saw the majority of time and was 5-of-14 passing and 54 yards. He also rushed for 14 yards and a touchdown.

Oliver played briefly in the third quarter and finished 3-of-10 for 28 yards. He rushed for 25 yards.

Running back Erik Haw played in his first game of the season and rushed for 82 yards on 17 carries. JSU S was outgained 385-280 in total yards.

"We've got some problems offensively right now," Comegy said. "We've got to get this thing right soon, because (TSU) was beatable and we just didn't get it done."

Jackson State jumped to a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter partly thanks to a botched TSU punt attempt. With a short field, JSU drove 25 yards for the touchdown in five plays, capped by Rutland's 1-yard sneak.

Eric Perri stretched the Tigers' lead to 13-6 by midway through the third quarter with a pair of field goals.

The first was a 44-yarder that gave JSU a 10-6 lead going into halftime. The second was even more impressive, a 50-yard blast that set a school record and gave JSU a 13-6 advantage midway through the third quarter.

But that's about the time Jackson State's previously stingy defense started breaking down.

TSU's Terrence Wright scored his second touchdown of the game on an 11-yard pass from Antonio Heffner to tie the score at 13 with 8:03 left in the game.

The teams traded scoreless possessions throughout the rest of the fourth quarter until Benson nailed the field goal to win.

"This is our most important game all season," TSU coach James Webster said. "I know it's not a conference game, but we put a lot into it. That's why winning it is such a big thrill each year."

Heffner finished 18-of-31 passing for 232 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Jackson State Perri's record-setting night - a 50-yarder - spoiled.

Perri's record-setting night - a 50-yarder - spoiled by late block

In a lot of ways, Jackson State sophomore kicker Eric Perri had a career night.

He set the school record with a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter that gave JSU a 13-6 lead. In the first half, he knocked down a 44-yarder - the fourth longest in school history.

But what will stick in his head is the 22-yard attempt that was blocked by Tennessee State. It would have given JSU a three-point lead in the fourth quarter.

"(TSU) was already on top of me by the time I kicked the ball," Perri said. "I don't really know what else I could have done, but it still hurts to not be able to help the team late."

JSU coach Rick Comegy agreed that the blocked field goal had nothing to do with Perri.

"We had a breakdown in our line," Comegy said. "Eric did a nice job of keeping us in the game early."

With his two kicks on Saturday, Perri solidified his ability to kick long field goals. His 50-yarder easily cleared the uprights and suggested the sophomore's range is pushing 55 to 60 yards.

Perri kicked a 52-yard field goal in Jackson State's spring game last year, but this is his first 50-plus make in a real game.

"It certainly gives me a lot of confidence," Perri said. "I know coach (Comegy) feels I can make a difference."

Even with the record-setting performance, Perri's night ended sourly as he watched Tennessee State kicker Eric Benson hit the 35-yard, game-winning field goal in the rain.

"It's a really helpless feeling sitting there and knowing there's nothing you can do," Perri said. "But give credit to (Benson). He did what he's supposed to do."

-David Brandt

Last-gasp field goal lifts TSU

Photo: TSU's Javarris Williams (28) breaks free on a first-half run. He finished with 94 yards on 21 carries.

By MIKE ORGAN, the Tennessean

MEMPHIS — Tennessee State's Eric Benson had to be reminded afterward that his game-winning field goal had come in a torrential downpour.

Benson waded onto the field at the Liberty Bowl and booted a 35-yarder with no time left that lifted TSU to a 16-13 victory over Jackson State in the Southern Heritage Classic.

"At first the rain bothered me — while I was standing on the sideline, I was a little worried," Benson said.

"But once you get out there, you can't think about anything but the kick. That's what I did. The rain didn't affect me at all. I forgot all about it."

Most of the 50,987 fans missed the thrilling finish. They had been chased away by the rain that started in the fourth quarter.

Benson had made another critical, pressure-packed kick earlier in the fourth quarter. After Terrence Wright raced 11 yards for a touchdown, which cut the deficit to 13-12, TSU was penalized for excessive celebration.

That moved the extra point attempt back 15 yards, but Benson still was able to connect.

"Benson is a warrior,'' TSU Coach James Webster said. "Maybe people don't think about kickers being warriors, but he is a warrior. He kicked that long extra point and then came back with the field goal in the rain."

Benson's winning boot helped TSU avoid a third consecutive overtime in the Southern Heritage Classic.

The Tigers needed a two-point conversion in overtime last year to beat Jackson State 31-30, and they edged JSU 20-14 in overtime the year before.

It was TSU's fifth consecutive win over Jackson State and helped the Tigers (1-1) bounce back after losing last week to Alabama A&M 49-23. JSU fell to 0-2 after falling last week to Delta State 27-15.

TSU never led before Benson's end-game field goal.

In fact, Jackson State kicker Eric Perri had been the star of the game up to that point.

Perri kicked a school-record 50-yard field goal early in the second half, which followed a 44-yarder at the end of the first half. His second field goal gave Jackson State a 13-6 lead.

TSU's offense, which moved the ball well at times as it did last week — but also failed to capitalize, just like last week — took advantage of a huge Jackson State blunder on the final drive. TSU punted from its own 40, but JSU was penalized for having too many men on the field.

That gave TSU a first down, and quarterback Antonio Heffner took advantage on the next play by tossing a 30-yard strike to Antonio Graham, who was down at Jackson State's 25.

Even with the rain, Webster said he was confident in Benson and planned to rely on a field goal to win the game.

"I wasn't thinking about overtime; I was thinking about winning the game on Benson's kick," Webster said.