Tennessee State defeats Arkansas-Pine Bluff 41-28 with Ellis’ 3 TDs

On Saturday night in Nashville, Tennessee State faced off against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in an exciting college football matchup. The game saw Draylen Ellis shine, throwing three touchdown passes in the second quarter, which significantly contributed to the Tigers' lead. The scoring began with a short touchdown run by Jalen Rouse, giving Tennessee State a 10-7 advantage in the first quarter. Ellis then connected with Karate Brenson, Jordan Gant, and Jalal Dean for touchdowns, leading to a commanding 31-14 halftime score. In the third quarter, CJ Evans extended the lead to 38-14 with a 38-yard touchdown run. Despite the deficit, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, led by Mekhi Hagens, fought back with three touchdown passes, keeping the game competitive. Hagens completed 15 of 31 passes for 276 yards, with JaVonnie Gibson being a standout receiver, catching five passes for 149 yards and one touchdown. Tennessee State's offense was impressive, totaling 424 yards, with Ellis completing 20 of 33 passes for 228 yards. Both CJ Evans and Jaden McGill contributed significantly on the ground, each rushing for 63 yards. The Tigers' balanced offensive attack proved too much for UAPB, who struggled to keep pace. The victory improved Tennessee State's record to 2-1, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff fell to 1-2. This game showcased the Tigers' offensive capabilities and set the stage for their upcoming challenges in the season.