Tennessee State hosts Southeast Missouri on Saturday at Nissan Stadium, looking to rebound from a shutout loss as it opens a two-game home stretch. The Tigers are 2-7 overall and 0-4 in the OVC; SEMO is 5-4 and 3-1 after its three-game winning streak ended. The matchup also renews a rivalry with recent stakes: TSU beat No. 11 SEMO in Nashville in 2024 to claim a share of the conference title, while the Redhawks won last year’s meeting.

By the Numbers
  • Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
  • All-time series: SEMO leads 17-15; TSU is 10-5 against the Redhawks in Nashville.
  • Last meeting: SEMO won 28-12 in 2025.
  • TSU’s 2024 win was 28-21, securing a share of the OVC title and the program’s first conference championship since 1999.
Yes, But

TSU’s defense showed some resistance in the 27-0 loss to Lindenwood, matching its season high with three sacks and adding six tackles for loss. But the Tigers managed just 187 yards of offense and were shut out for the first time this season. SEMO also had 187 yards in its latest game, a 34-10 loss to Gardner-Webb, but generated three interceptions, including a pick-six.

State of Play
  • TSU is seeking its first OVC win; SEMO is 3-1 in conference play.
  • The game is part of Military/First Responder Appreciation. It will air on ESPN+ and be carried on TSU radio.
What's Next

Tennessee State stays at Nissan Stadium for its second consecutive home game after facing SEMO. The result could shape the teams’ OVC trajectories, with TSU still seeking its first conference victory and SEMO looking to recover from its latest loss.

Bottom Line

TSU’s path to an upset starts with turning defensive pressure into points: the Tigers have recorded sacks, but their offense must do more than the 187 yards it produced last week against a SEMO defense coming off a three-interception performance.