NASHVILLE --- Tennessee State improved to 5-1 by defeating Eastern Kentucky on Saturday and used the victory to enter all three FCS Top 25 polls. The Tigers are ranked No. 25 in the STATS FCS Top 25, the HERO Sports Top 25 and the FCS Coaches Poll.
It is the second time this season for the Tigers as No. 25 in the HERO Sports poll. TSU earned a spot after improving to 4-0 with a victory over UT Martin on Oct. 1, but immediately fell out after a one point road loss to then No. 19 Eastern Illinois, 35-34.
The Tigers have been receiving votes since Week 2 in the STATS and Coaches polls before cracking into the Top 25 this week. Prior to this season, the Tigers had not been ranked since the week of Oct. 7, 2014.
TSU is one of three Ohio Valley Conference programs ranked this week. Jacksonville State improved to No. 2 in all three polls, while Eastern Illinois improved to 15th.
The Tigers will step out of conference play to take on SEC foe Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 22.
STATS Top 25
FCS Coaches Poll
HERO Top 25
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