Tennessee State conference title hopes take blow in loss to UT Martin

Draylen Ellis threw for 312 yards, and Jalal Dean churned out 118 receiving yards, but Tennessee State fell to UT Martin 28-21 at Nissan Stadium Saturday night.

TSU drops to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in Big South-OVC matchups.

Ellis went 33-for-53 on the way to the 312-yard, two-touchdown outing with two interceptions.

Ellis totaled 29 yards to lead the Tigers’ ground attack in the game, picking up 5.8 yards per carry. CJ Evans also tacked on seven yards on the ground.

Dean’s 118-yard, one-touchdown performance led the Tennessee State receiving corps. Karate Brenson also hauled in 11 passes for 86 yards, and Bryant Williams chipped in with four grabs for 66 yards and one touchdown.

Tyler Jones led the Tennessee State defensive effort, totaling one interception. Tyler Moore added 1.0 TFL and one sack.

Tennessee State converted on 50 percent of third-down attempts on the day.

Defensively, Tennessee State held up reasonably well against the UT Martin rushing attack, holding the Skyhawks to 104 yards on the ground.

Tennessee State responded to an early 21-0 UT Martin lead with a first quarter to narrow the deficit to 21-14.UT Martin extended its lead to 28-14, but the Tigers answered with a touchdown to cut into the lead to 28-21. Neither team scored again in the game.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

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