Eddie George's Tennessee State Tigers has six team captains this year. That's six more than the team had last year. George's change in philosophy on the leadership of the roster signals a new feel to his Tiger team in his fourth year at the helm of the program.

In a quote attained by the Tennessean, George shared his thoughts on the decision.

“I felt like last year no one really stood out to be a captain; no one had earned that right,” George said. “I felt like leadership was a big problem that needed to be addressed. I felt like we weren't a tight-knit group. I'm not going to have captains just to have them. I did that, or didn't do that as the case may be, to see who was going to step up and take it.”

The expectations are higher this season because of the newly chosen leaders in the locker room and field. The new captains include quarterback Draylen Ellis, Jalen Bell, Connor Meadows, Jalen McClendon, Ahmad Nelson, and Jason Hoath. So far, the Tigers have found success, winning two HBCU matchups against Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. However, the Tigers did fall to perennial FCS contender North Dakota State.

Article Continues Below
More HBCU News
Leading up to the Celebration Bowl, Howard University's Athletic Director Kery Davis reflected on the immense athletic success in recent years
Howard University appoints new Vice President of AthleticsRandall Barnes ·
Texas Southern athletic director Dr. Kevin Granger inks new five-year contract extension that keeps him with the Tigers through 2029.
HBCU administrator hit with lawsuit by Tony Buzbee’s law firmRandall Barnes ·
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony team up for HBCU scholarshipsRandall Barnes ·
Rajah Caruth, a student at Winston-Salem State University, becomes the third Black NASCAR driver to win a national event.
HBCU alumnus earns impressive NASCAR victory, Stephen A. Smith praiseRandall Barnes ·
Norfolk State head coach Dawson Odoms is fired up about his team's MEAC/SWAC Challenge matchup against Florida A&M
Former Norfolk State head coach gets huge NFL opportunityRandall Barnes ·
Leilani Armenta, Jackson State's first woman football player, has entered the transfer portal after a history-making journey.
Jackson State football’s Leilani Armenta lands huge pro opportunityRandall Barnes ·

The captains and George have something to prove going into week four. They hit the road and head east to Cookville, Tennessee to play against Tennessee Tech. Last season TSU took a tough loss at home against Tech ending 35-0. With the emergence of new team captains, fans are hopeful for a better outcome this match-up.

The Golden Eagles have faced some challenges early on resulting in a 0-2 record. Their season opener was against Middle Tennessee State where they fell short 32-24. The next match-up was against Georgia, then ranked as the number-one team in college football. They were soundly defeated 48-3.

Now the two teams go head-to-head on September 21st with kickoff at 1:30 CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.