Tennessee State University (1-4) needed to start off fast and finish strong. That’s exactly what they did this past Saturday night at Nissan Stadium. It was Homecoming, as the Big Blue beat the breaks off of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (BCC). Final score, 41-17. By defeating the Wildcats, the Tigers pick up their first win of the year. It was huge. Not only was this a confidence booster, but after last week’s monumental loss to Lane College at home, the Tigers needed to be clicking on all cylinders heading into conference play. “Our team played extremely well”, said head coach Eddie George.

Bethune-Cookman (1-4) started the game on top, 3-0. It went downhill from there. The Tigers were dominant the rest of the contest; on both sides of the ball. The defense forced four turnovers. They had four sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. Most of the damage was done in the first half. The Big Blue scored 24 points in the second quarter alone. The score was 31-3 at halftime.

It was 34-10, in the fourth quarter, before Jalen Jones dashed for a quick 67-yard touchdown. All of a sudden, the score was 34-17. Signs of life from the Wildcats were prevalent, especially on the ensuing kickoff, where the Big Blue would fumble on their own six yard line, with the Wildcats recovering. It was about to get very interesting with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the contest. Although the Tigers had coughed up the ball three times on the night, with this crucial fumble four minutes into the fourth quarter on special teams, the Big Blue would hold serve on the goal line; stopping the Wildcats on fourth down. This, after Jones and the Wildcats had picked up some momentum. The Wildcats wouldn’t recover from there. 

Jalen Jones went 19 of 34 passing, for 146 yards, and an interception on the night. He rushed for 121 total yards, and a TD as well for the Wildcats.

Jalen Rouse ran for 87 yards on 19 carries, and a touchdown for the Tigers. Devon Starling added 43 yards on the ground. Three catches for 64 yards is what Karate Brenson contributed.

On the defensive side of the ball, Gleson Sprewell led the way with nine tackles for the Tigers. Mr. Josh Green added his four tackles, and pick six. Tre Boone III recovered a fumble for a score, and Cameron Stewart recovered his fumble to get in the mix.

The Big Blue head to Cookeville, TN, this upcoming Saturday (10-15-2022), to take on the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech. Game time is at 6 pm.