# Southeast Missouri State Pulls Away in Second Half to Defeat Tennessee State 33-14 at Nissan Stadium

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/southeast-missouri-state-pulls-away-in-second-half-to-defeat-tennessee-state-33-14-at-nissan-stadium/
- Published: 2026-11-07T23:41:01-05:00
- Author: Thaddaeus McAdams

**NASHVILLE, TN (November 7, 2026)** – Tennessee State University showed flashes
of momentum Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium, but a strong second-half surge
by Southeast Missouri State proved too much to overcome as the Redhawks defeated
the Tigers 33-14. Despite the disappointing result on the field, the afternoon carried
special significance as TSU celebrated **Salute to Service Night**, honoring alumni
serving their community and recognizing a major milestone in educational support
from the Tennessee Lottery.

The Tigers entered halftime trailing just 3-0 after a defensive battle in the opening
two quarters. Tennessee State came out energized in the second half, taking its 
first lead when quarterback **Daylin Lee** connected with Aaron Duncan II on a 3-
yard touchdown pass to put TSU ahead 7-3 early in the third quarter.

However, Southeast Missouri State quickly shifted the momentum, scoring 21 unanswered
points to take a commanding 24-7 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The Tigers
continued to fight, with Lee finding Brock Montgomery for a 16-yard touchdown early
in the final period to cut the deficit to 24-14. The Redhawks responded with another
touchdown and a late field goal to secure the 33-14 victory.

Lee finished the afternoon completing 20 of 36 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns.**
Jerimiah Treadaway** provided a spark offensively, rushing for 66 yards on just 
five carries while adding 63 receiving yards to finish with a team-high 129 all-
purpose yards. Anthony Taylor contributed seven receptions for 73 yards, while Montgomery
finished with 70 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Tennessee State had several standout performances despite Southeast
Missouri State’s success on the ground. **Devyn Curtis** led the Tigers with 13 
tackles, followed by Epoki Fakaosi with 10 and Brendan Hale with eight. Jalen LaBranche
recorded an interception deep in TSU territory, while Bryce Gray forced a fumble
recovered by Taeshawn Jefferson. Brandon Collins and Jaylon Price each added a sack.

While Tennessee State held the Redhawks to just 58 passing yards, Southeast Missouri
State’s rushing attack proved to be the difference, piling up 362 yards on the ground.
The loss dropped TSU to 2-8 overall and 0-5 in conference play, while Southeast 
Missouri State improved to 6-4 and 4-1.

## TSU Honors Alumni and Community Heroes During Salute to Service Night

Beyond the action on the field, Tennessee State used the occasion to recognize individuals
and organizations making a lasting impact throughout Nashville and across Tennessee.

As part of the **Salute to Service Night** celebration, TSU honored university alumni
currently serving with the **Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire
Department**, recognizing their commitment to protecting and serving the community.
The special acknowledgment highlighted the university’s continued connection to 
graduates who have dedicated their careers to public safety and service.

The evening also featured recognition of the **Tennessee Lottery**, celebrating 
a milestone of **$8.5 billion in contributions to education** since the beginning
of its partnership and support of educational opportunities across the state. The
acknowledgment underscored the importance of investing in students and helping create
pathways to higher education.

Although the Tigers were unable to come away with a victory, the occasion served
as a reminder that Tennessee State’s impact extends well beyond the football field.
From recognizing alumni who serve Nashville every day to celebrating investments
in education, the event brought together athletics, community pride, and the university’s
longstanding tradition of service.