NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Byron McNair delivered a near-perfect performance, completing 18 of 22 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns while adding 47 yards on the ground to lead Tennessee State to its first victory of the season, a 24-7 win over Howard on Saturday at Nissan Stadium.

The Tigers, who entered the game with a record of one win and five losses, dominated from the outset, capitalizing on efficient offense and a stifling defense that intercepted Howard quarterback Tyriq Starks twice.

Tennessee State set the tone on its opening drive. After a 40-yard scramble by McNair moved the Tigers deep into Howard territory, the quarterback connected with Snap Reed on a 10-yard touchdown pass with 10:59 remaining in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7.

Howard’s lone score came on a grinding 12-play, 68-yard drive in the second quarter, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Anthony Reagan Jr. The Bison running back was a bright spot for the visitors, rushing for 44 yards on 12 carries and catching one pass for 3 yards.

The Tigers responded just before halftime. Taking over with 1:51 left in the second quarter, McNair engineered a quick scoring drive, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Connor Ruth with 24 seconds left, giving Tennessee State a 14-7 lead at the break.

The second half belonged entirely to the Tigers. Their defense, led by linebacker Micah Gay who had two interceptions, consistently pressured Starks and stifled the Howard rushing attack. Punter Mark Shenouda also played a pivotal role in the field position battle, averaging over 43 yards on seven punts, pinning the Bison deep in their own territory repeatedly.

Tennessee State extended its lead on its first possession of the third quarter. McNair methodically moved the Tigers down the field, finding Devaughn Slaughter for an 8-yard touchdown pass to push the advantage to 21-7. Slaughter was McNair’s primary target, hauling in seven receptions for 42 yards.

The Bison’s offense struggled to find any rhythm against the Tennessee State defense. Starks finished 14 of 27 for 116 yards and was sacked four times. His top receiver was CJ Neely, who caught four passes for 56 yards.

The Tigers added the final points of the game early in the fourth quarter on a 34-yard field goal from Freddy Perez, sealing the 24-7 victory.

The win improves Tennessee State’s record to one win and five losses, while Howard falls to an even three wins and three losses. The Tigers will look to build on the victory when they host Western Illinois next Saturday. Howard returns home to face Morgan State.

The final score of 31 total points fell well under the pregame over/under line of 42.5. Tennessee State, a pregame favorite by 2 points, easily covered the spread. The result defied the projections of the Interstat game simulator, which had predicted a higher-scoring affair with Tennessee State winning 41-27.