Tennessee State takes big lead and holds on to beat Alabama A&M 27-14 in Reed’s coaching debut

Tennessee St. tops Alabama A&M 27-14 in Reed debut

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rayshawn Weatherspoon ran the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown to spark Tennessee State’s 27-14 win over Alabama A&M on Saturday night and give coach Rod Reed his first win.

Reed, who was an All-America linebacker for the Tigers from 1984-88, saw his team take a 27-0 halftime lead.

Although Alabama A&M outgained Tennessee State 276-234 in total offense, the Tigers scored three second-quarter touchdowns, two on drives of 36 seconds or less.

Starting at the Bulldogs 35, Jeremy Perry threw a 15-yard touchdown pass two plays later to Joseph Hills.

Preston Brown capped a 92-yard, 17-play drive with a 4-yard scoring run. On the Tigers’ next possession, Perry hit Hills for a 17-yard score on a three-play drive.

Alabama A&M scored twice in the fourth quarter. Deaunte Mason threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Rashad Johnson, then scored on a 1-yard run with 2:52 left.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Rayshawn Weatherspoon ran the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown to spark Tennessee State’s 27-14 win over Alabama A&M on Saturday night and give coach Ron Reed his first win.

Reed, who was an All-America linebacker for the Tigers from 1984-88, saw his team take a 27-0 halftime lead.

Although Alabama A&M outgained Tennessee State 276-234 in total offense, the Tigers scored three second-quarter touchdowns, two on drives of 36 seconds or less.

Starting at the Bulldogs 35, Jeremy Perry threw a 15-yard touchdown pass two plays later to Joseph Hills.

Preston Brown capped a 92-yard, 17-play drive with a 4-yard scoring run. On the Tigers’ next possession, Perry hit Hills for a 17-yard score on a three-play drive.

Alabama A&M scored twice in the fourth quarter. Deaunte Mason threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Rashad Johnson, then scored on a 1-yard run with 2:52 left.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. Tennessee State 27, Alabama A&M 14. Corrects coach’s name to Rod in first paragraph.)