Tennessee State University quarterback Geremy Hickbottom’s third scoring run of the game, with a little over a minute remaining, was the winner this past Saturday night at Nissan Stadium as they staved off the Racers of Murray State (3-5). Hickbottom’s seven-yard scamper essentially sealed the deal. The final score was 27-21, as the Tigers (5-3) have now won five of the last six games.

It was Homecoming week, and with almost 9,000 fans attending inside the stadium, the Big Blue completed its fourth conference win in a row. This was very important because the Tigers look to contend for an OVC title run. They travel to Martin, Tenn. this weekend, November 6, to take on the first place Skyhawks of UT Martin. Game time is 2 pm. It should be a dandy.

Geremy has now rushed for seven touchdowns so far this season. He led the team in rushing on this day with 87 yards. Tailback Devon Starling added another 77 yards on 14 carries.

Halfway through the third quarter, the game appeared to be over as TSU was dominating—up 21-0. Hickbottom had just thrown a 20+ yard strike to tight end Josh Trueheart in the back of the end zone for a touchdown on fourth down, no less. All of a sudden, Preston Rice led the Racers on an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended with him hitting his head on the goalpost toward the end of the third quarter.

“I’m real proud of our guys,” said Murray State coach Dean Hood, following this disappointing loss. The Racers tied the game at 21 with 4:30 remaining. They would not go away. They kept fighting, but it wouldn’t end favorably.

Murray State out gained TSU in total offensive, and time of possession. They were only flagged six times, to TSU’s 10. But although Damonta Witherspoon had 124 yards on the ground for the Racers, Aaron Baum missed a couple of field goals probably, finally, doing them in. Baum entered the game crushing seven straight.