Game Day Central: Tennessee State Tigers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0) kick off their 2023 home slate by hosting the Tennessee State Tigers (0-0). This marks the first time the Irish have faced an FCS or HBCU program. Blue & Gold gets you ready with what you need to know before today’s tilt.

Join us live on YouTube after the game as we break down Tennessee State vs. ND

GAME DAY INFORMATION

Date: Sept. 2, 2023
Site: Notre Dame Stadium
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Television: NBC/Peacock
Radio: This game can be heard on Notre Dame IMG affiliates.
Series Facts: First meeting
Head Coaches: Tennessee State — Eddie George (9-13, 3rd season); Notre Dame — Marcus Freeman (10-5, 2nd season).

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FIVE TENNESSEE STATE PLAYERS TO KNOW

QB Draylen Ellis (#7): Ellis enters his second season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. He threw 279 times for 1,806 yards (6.5 Y/A), eight touchdowns and six interceptions in Year 1 after transferring from Austin Peay.

WR Karate Brenson (#0): Brenson went to high school at St. Louis Christian Brothers College, the same school as ND freshman running back Jeremiyah Love. He caught 25 passes for 329 yards in 2022.

DL Jalen Bell (#5): Bell is the Tigers’ top transfer addition, coming over from Mississippi Valley state. He played 30 games for the Delta Devils, totaling 26.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks at defensive tackle.

CB Bryce Phillips (#0): In his first season with the Tigers after transferring from Santa Ana College, Phillips broke up 10 passes, which was second in the Ohio Valley Conference. The junior earned a 77.5 PFF grade in coverage.

S Josh Green (#6): Green made 56 tackles from the safety position and picked off three passes, which led the team. He’s primarily a free safety, but he played significant snaps in the box and the slot as well.

GAME PREDICTIONS

Vegas line: N/A

Oddshark prediction: ND 34, TSU 24

Tyler Horka: Notre Dame 55, Tennessee State 7

Jack Soble: Notre Dame 56, Tennessee State 7

Kyle Kelly: Notre Dame 45, Tennessee State 13

Todd Burlage: Notre Dame 48, Tennessee State 7

Steve Downey: Notre Dame 52, Tennessee State 0

Full staff predictions article