Tennessee State Football: Can Eddie George win with the Tigers?

How many games will the Tigers win this fall?

• Game 1: Grambling State (W) — This is a toss-up for the Tigers. Grambling State went winless last spring but brought in transfers this fall to help bolster the roster. Head coach Broderick Fobbs also hired a new offensive coordinator in Eric Marty. However, TSU finds a way to win a close game at the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.
• Game 2: Jackson State (L) — The Tigers from Mississippi have a better roster than the Tigers from Tennessee. Jackson State wins going away.
• Game 3: Kentucky State (L) — The Thorobreds are a good football team despite being Division II. Tennessee State could pull this one out but Kentucky State’s running game could prove too much for TSU. The Tigers lose a close game.
• Game 4: at Southeast Missouri (L) — The Redhawks have blown out the Tigers the last two seasons. Not much changes on the road for TSU.
• Game 5: at Austin Peay (L) — This is one of two games against the Governors and the first one goes to Austin Peay. The Governors finished third in the OVC last spring and won a close game.
• Game 6: Tennessee Tech (W) — This is a toss-up as both teams finished the season 2-5 with TSU bringing in better assistants and key transfers. Tigers win and have an opportunity to win the Sgt. York Trophy
• Game 7: at Eastern Illinois (W) — The Panthers are one of the worst programs in the conference. The Tigers should win this one handily.
• Game 8: Murray State (L) — Murray State finished second in the OVC last season. The Racers are simply the better team and should win this game by a couple of touchdowns.
• Game 9: at UT Martin (W) — TSU won two games last spring; one was against Tennessee Martin. Tigers win this one again, sealing the Sgt. York Trophy for the Tigers.
• Game 10: Austin Peay (W) — It is not easy to beat a team twice. Eddie George learns how to make adjustments and TSU gets their win back against the Governors.
• Game 11: at Mississippi State (L) — This is a money game for Tennessee State. The Tigers will go and get blown out by a far superior SEC opponent and cash their paycheck.

Prediction: 5-6, 4-4 OVC

Most of the wins and losses hinge on how well the existing talent takes to the coaching staff and how the transfers congeal with the team. Also, the record could swing several different ways based on how well Eddie George makes in-game adjustments as a first-time coach.