Tennessee State suffered a 30-14 defeat against Gardner-Webb in their final home game, pushing their season record to 2-9 overall and 0-7 in conference play. While the Runnin' Bulldogs improved to 7-4, TSU struggled despite strong individual performances, notably from Byron McNair, who threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers were able to narrow the score to 30-14 late in the game but were unable to mount a full comeback.

By the Numbers
  • Tennessee State had 268 total yards, while Gardner-Webb managed 272.
  • Byron McNair completed 18 of 24 passes for a 75% completion rate.
  • Quasean Holmes rushed for 135 yards for Gardner-Webb.
  • Tennessee State was 2-for-4 on fourth downs, converting 50% of their attempts.
Yes, But

Despite the loss, Tennessee State showcased defensive resilience by holding Gardner-Webb to 272 yards and forcing eight tackles for loss. The Tigers' offensive performance was also notable, with McNair's quarterbacking efficiency standing out amidst the defeat.

State of Play
  • Tennessee State remains at the bottom of the Ohio Valley Conference with a 0-7 record.
  • The defeat marks Tennessee State's third consecutive loss this season.
  • Gardner-Webb is in a solid position at 5-2 in conference play.
What's Next

Tennessee State will need a strong finish in the remaining games of the season to build momentum for next year. They'll aim to improve on both their offensive and defensive performances to break their losing streak.

Bottom Line

While disappointing, the match highlighted some individual successes for Tennessee State, particularly from McNair and the defense. For future games, focusing on converting opportunities and enhancing overall team cohesion will be critical for improvement.