NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In an impressive display of offensive prowess on Saturday night, Draylen Ellis delivered four touchdown passes to different receivers, leading Tennessee State to a 41-17 victory over Eastern Illinois. Karate Brenson shone with eight receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, contributing significantly to the Tigers’ third consecutive win, and their fourth victory in the last five games.
Ellis initiated the scoring with a four-yard touchdown pass to Brenson, putting Tennessee State ahead 7-3 with roughly ten minutes remaining in the second quarter. From that point on, the Tigers maintained control of the game. After Eastern Illinois failed to gain a first down on their next possession, Ellis orchestrated a six-play, 69-yard drive, concluding with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Williams at the 6:28 mark of the half. CJ Evans followed up with a 4-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 20-3 just four minutes later.
Responding with urgency, Eastern Illinois found the end zone with 1:31 left in the second quarter, when MJ Flowers snagged a nine-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Pierce Holley. The Panthers continued their momentum into the second half, going on an impressive 75-yard drive that culminated with Flowers rushing for a one-yard touchdown. This score narrowed the gap to 20-17 with 11:04 left in the third quarter.
Ellis struck back, connecting with Jalal Dean for a 31-yard touchdown pass with 4:07 remaining in the third, further extending Tennessee State’s lead. He followed that up by finding Gerard Bullock for an 8-yard touchdown, making the score 34-17 as the fourth quarter approached.
Tevin Carter capped the scoring with a 12-yard rushing touchdown late in the game. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois struggled, suffering their fifth consecutive defeat.
Holley completed 28 of 46 passes for 338 yards, adding one touchdown to his evening but also an interception. For the Panthers, Cooper Willman was a standout receiver with eight catches for 141 yards, while Quenton Rogers contributed 105 receiving yards.