MEMPHIS, Tenn — It may have been the first time being played in the newly dubbed "Liberty Hole" and only the second time played between Tennessee State and Arkansas Pine-Bluff, but the 35th edition of the Southern Heritage Classic was one for the books.
Tennessee State beat UAPB 41-28 to collect their 19th win in the history of the classic.
Dreylin Ellis was dubbed the Most Valuable Player, after leading the Tigers with 228 yards and three touchdowns.
After the Golden Lions took an early 7-0 lead on their first drive of the game, TSU responded with 17 unanswered points to take the lead 17-7. The Tigers never trailed again. TSU generated 424 yards of offense.
UAPB was led by quarterback Mekhi Hagens. The junior threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was JaVonnie Gibson, who caught five receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown, but the TSU defense wreaked havoc. They sacked Hagens seven times, had nine tackles for loss and forced a fumble.
As is tradition, both bands took the field for the annual "Fifth Quarter."
UAPB will play Central Arkansas next Saturday at home. Tennessee State will head on the road to play Tennessee Tech.
