Tennessee State players celebrate in the end zone during Saturday’s 45-20 win at Western Illinois. (Photo by TSUTigers.com)
By Prairie State Pigskin
Tennessee State became the seventh team to score 45 or more points on Western Illinois this season. As a result, the Leathernecks’ losing streak has reached three games.
Tennessee State, coached by 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL star Eddie George, posted a 45-20 win against WIU Saturday at Macomb’s Hanson Field.
The Tigers used a balanced offense – 194 rushing yards and 182 passing yards – and were +1 in turnover margin.
With the win, Tennessee State is 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big South/OVC. It’s the most wins by a Tiger team since 2016.
WIU slipped to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in the league.
Western outgained TSU, 432-376, in total offense.
Game changers
11:38, 1st quarter: TSU’s C.J. Evans Jr. opened the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown run.
8:56, 2nd quarter: TSU quarterback Draylen Ellis connected with Bryant Williams for a 37-yard touchdown pass. After the extra point, the Tigers led, 21-3.
13:25, 4th quarter: Lamb’s 6-yard touchdown run and Antonio Chadha’s PAT that sliced the TSU lead to 15 points giving Western hope. However, the Tigers scored the game’s final 10 points.
Nifty ‘Necks
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three WIU players in the game:
Lamb, QB: The senior passed for 266 yards and a touchdown. He ran for 74 yards and a TD.
Ryan Crandall, LB: The junior led Western with 16 tackles, 3.5 for loss.
Matthew Henry, WR: The junior caught five passes for 48 yards.
What it means
After a 2-1 start in the Big South/OVC, Western has lost three straight league games.
What’s next?
Western Illinois plays at Big South/OVC leader Southeast Missouri, the No. 6-ranked team in FCS, Nov. 16. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
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