Tennessee State Tigers
Ohio Valley
Tennessee State could not do enough to stay on the same page as Eastern Illinois in the Ohio Valley Conference title race, but a second place finish and a 9-3 overall record is a pleasant surprise for the Tigers. Back in the playoffs for the first time since 1999, Coach Rod Reed hopes to bring a playoff win back to Nashville for the first time in over 25 years.
2013 Record: 9-3, 6-2
Coach: Rod Reed
Big Wins: 10/12 at Jacksonville State (31-15), 10/19 at Tennessee-Martin (29-15)
Bad Losses: 9/1 Bethune-Cookman (9-12), 11/2 at Eastern Kentucky (0-44)
Strengths:
Tennessee State’s success has come from the defense. The Tigers picked off an impressive 17 passes, while throwing just four. Daniel Fitzpatrick led the way with six interceptions, while David Van Dyke added four more. De’Ante Saunders and Stephen Godbolt are a couple shutdown corners. Godbolt is a player that every opposing quarterback should attempt to avoid. With Antonio Harper, Marquaveus Jackson and Anthony Bass consistently getting into the backfield, the talented secondary has had plenty of opportunities to make big plays. And that will continue into the playoffs. The run defense is quite impressive as well. The line can do more than tally sacks and spearheads the run defense. Add linebacker Nick Thrasher, who easily led Tennessee State with 94 tackles, and it is not easy to run against this team.
Weaknesses:
The Tigers offense is not going to put up huge numbers, but they can do what they need to do. Running back Tim Broughton eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark and sophomore Telvin Hooks added 669 yards. Together they totaled ten touchdowns on the ground and Coach Reed has no problem dictating the clock with the ground game. However, quarterback Ronald Butler can win some games too. He threw for just 1,343 yards, but threw a dozen touchdown passes and just four interceptions. Receivers Ryan Mitchell and Wesley Samuels have big play ability and tight end A.C. Leonard is a great check down option for Butler and one of the best tight ends in the country.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Tim Broughton, RB, 1,046 yards
Passing: Ronald Butler, QB, 1,343 yards
Receiving: Ryan Mitchell, WR, 486 yards
Tackles: Nick Thrasher, LB, 94
Sacks: Anthony Bass, DL, 10.0
Interceptions: Daniel Fitzpatrick, DB, 6
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 174.7 (50th in nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 172.8 (92, 5)
Total Offense: 347.5 (83, 5)
Scoring Offense: 28.3 (53, 4)
Rushing Defense: 104.8 (9, 1)
Pass Defense: 174.1 (13, 1)
Total Defense: 278.9 (4, 1)
Scoring Defense: 16.8 (5, 1)
Turnover Margin: 0.7 (19, 2)
Sacks: 2.75 (18, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.33 (78, 7)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
1999 First Round Lost to North Carolina A&T
1998 First Round Lost to Appalachian State
1986 First Round Defeated Jackson State
1986 Quarterfinals Lost to Nevada
1982 Quarterfinals Defeated Eastern Illinois
1982 Semifinals Lost to Eastern Kentucky
1981 First Round Lost to South Carolina State
*all team stats through 11/16
