NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State quarterback Draylen Ellis ran for an 18-yard touchdown score in the final minutes of Norfolk State's road matchup, pushing the Tigers to a 24-17 victory at Nissan Stadium on Saturday. The Spartans, who stormed back from a 17-0 deficit to tie things up in the fourth quarter, dropped to 2-4 on the season, while the Tigers improved to 4-2 with their second consecutive win. TSU began the game with a bang, returning the opening kickoff 65 yards to the Norfolk State 28-yard line. Despite the tough starting position, NSU's defense held strong, forcing a field goal.
The Spartans went three-and-out on their first offensive possession, and TSU took advantage of the strong field position this time around. Jordan Gant pushed the Tigers forward with several strong rushes, before Ellis found Adrian Canen on a rollout throw for the first touchdown of the day. NSU couldn't get the offense going on the ensuing possession, as Otto Kuhns' deep throw to Andre Pegues on third down fell incomplete.
Tennessee State continued to employ a two-quarterback system, taking a 17-0 lead after Deveon Bryant connected with Gerand Turner for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Norfolk State's defense began to find its footing late in the first quarter. After a defensive holding penalty nullified Miguel Rijo's sack, Terique Miles blew up a screen pass moments later with a well-timed hit, helping force TSU's first punt of the evening. NSU got deep into Tiger territory with a 26-yard pass along the sideline to Tavian Morris, but the drive stalled at the 14-yard line. The Spartans faked the ensuing field goal, but Jason Wonodi's rush was stopped a few yards shy of the goal line.
Spartans forced TSU's first turnover of the night moments later to get the ball back. Ricky Harleston punched the football free from Ellis' grasp, and Jalen Swindell dove on it first. The Spartans took advantage of the momentum swing, scoring in the final seconds of the second quarter on a quarterback sneak by Kuhns. A penalty backed the PAT to the eight-yard line, which ultimately hit missed off the field goal post. TSU went to the break holding a 17-6 lead. The Spartans used Wonodi for some trickery once again, and this time it worked flawlessly. Wonodi sliced through the defense on an end-around handoff, a 37-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage in the second half.
The big play put the Spartans just outside of the redzone, setting up a successful 36-yard field goal from Willcox. Norfolk State came up with another takeaway on the ensuing Tigers' possession, Daylan Long recording the first interception of his collegiate career. The redshirt sophomore brought the pick back 34 yards to flip the field position. A Kuhns interception a few plays later gave TSU the ball back, but NSU's defense continued its hot streak, forcing back-to-back punts. Kuhns rushed 27 yards on a quarterback keeper to get the Spartans moving downfield early in the fourth quarter. He then connected with freshman wideout Taron Biles-Walker, who came back to the ball fighting a defensive pass interference, for a 33-yard gain. The highlight grab put the Spartans at the one-yard line, and Kuhns punched it in for his second rushing score of the day.
The junior found Xzavion Evans for the two-point conversion moments later, tying the game at 17-17. But after going scoreless for two quarters, Tennessee State's offense found its groove when it was needed the most. The Tigers put together a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped off by an 18-yard rush by Ellis, for what would be the game-winning score with 5:08 to play. The Spartans went three-and-out on their ensuing possession, but got the ball back for one more opportunity with just over two minutes on the clock. Kuhns hit Collis Pride for a first down to move the chains, but the drive stalled from there. The Tigers took over on downs, making two kneel-downs to earn their fourth win of the season. Tennessee State recorded eight first downs in the first quarter, and only three in the second. NSU tallied one first down in the first quarter, recording nine in the second. Norfolk State recorded 243 yards of total offense. Otto Kuhns completed 10-of-27 passes for 129 yards and one interception.
