 |
|
|
|
Tennessee State 45, Howard 0By Richard N. Hayes Howard (HU) Bison coach Steve Wilson learned the hard way that sometimes it’s best to let a sleeping Tiger lay. Tennessee State (TSU) started slowly but rolled to a 45-0 victory over HU in the 18th annual Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Both offenses struggled early with neither team scoring in the first quarter. TSU received their first major break of the game when Bison punter Mike Sanders had his kick partially blocked. The Tigers started at the Bison 36 and, after a 25 yard run by fullback KaRon Key, found themselves in the red zone for the first time. Quarterback Shannon Harris then hit receiver Carlos Wright on a slant pattern for an 11-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead. After Howard’s next possession, TSU would again partially block the punt. This time, it was safety Marquis Stephens breaking through the Bison line. Tennessee State opened on the HU 19-yard line and 3 plays later Harris found flanker Patrick Jenkins on a beautiful fade route. The drive took only a minute, one-second and staked TSU to a 14-0 lead. The Bison had a golden opportunity to regain momentum when return man Fred Turner rolled down to the TSU 42-yard line on the kickoff. However, Howard would go backwards, losing yardage on the ensuing 3 plays and were forced to punt the ball. With 1:11 left in the half, TSU opened up their 2-minute offense. Starting from their own 15-yard line, Harris hit C.J. Johnson for a 32-yard reception that became a huge play when Howard was assessed a 15-yard penalty on the tackle. Harris would then connect with his tight end Anthony Brown for 12 more yards. On the 3rd play of the drive, Harris found wide receiver Batavia Weldon, who broke a tackle and strolled in for 26-yard touchdown catch. TSU finished the half with 3 consecutive scoring drives and led 21-0. The Tigers opened the second half just as they finished the first. Beginning on their own 17-yard line, TSU stormed 83 yards in just over 2 minutes. The drive was sparked by a 59-yard catch by C.J. Johnson. Harris found Brown from 4 yards out and the Tigers increased their lead to 28-0. On their next possession, TSU would open up their playbook. On a wide receiver pass, Ande Durojaye hit a streaking Johnson for a 45-yard completion. 3 plays later, kicker Joey Hudak nailed a 35-yard field goal and the rout was on as Tennessee State led 31-0. Backup quarterback Kenny Irby entered the game in fourth quarter for the Tigers and also proved to be a capable field general. During an 8 play, 73 yard scoring drive, Irby connected with Weldon for 20 and Jenkins for the Tigers’ 6th and final touchdown. TSU (4-0) completes a sweep of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponents and returns to Nashville next weekend to face Mississippi Valley State. Howard (1-4) looks to improve next week with a home game against Benedict.
|
