TSU rallied in the third quarter and then pulled away fromMorgan Statefor a 25-16 homecoming victory atNissan Stadiumin front of 11,347 fans on Oct. 17.
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Barlow's father, Clemmon Barlow Jr., a longtime on-air radio disc jockey also known as "Spider Man," was 78 when he died. After back-to-back third-quarter scores put TSU up 25-16, some of the Tigers' players started flashing the iconic Spider-Man web-shooting hand gesture.
Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Crowds line Jefferson Street during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Crowds line Jefferson Street during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Crowds line Jefferson Street during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Members of the Community Equity Alliance march carrying signs reading “Voting is Lit” during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
East Nashville High School’s Homecoming Queen Bailee Risby, waves to the crowd during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Chosen Pillow, 5, looks on as a marching band passes by during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee State University alumni and their family members cheer during the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Denise Price, 8, stands with Donzleigh Price as the two watch the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Alex Forty West Gibbs, walks his dog, Bam Bam, before the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Aria Whatley, 4, holds her grandfather’s hand, Claude Whatley, TSU Alumni of 1993, as they watch the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade make its way down Jefferson Street in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
The crowd looks on as the Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tasia Jones, an alumni of TSU, dances to the music playing on the street before the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade make its way down Jefferson Street in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Attendees cheer as Jace Crawford, 5, passes out candy with the Sigma Beta Club during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee State University alumni and their family members cheer during the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Sigma Beta Club members dance along the side of their float during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
TJ Broady holds Terrell Broady III, during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
People look on as the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade begins in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Dancers perform in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tessa Rhodes holds her grandson Tahmir Rodes, 5, as they watch the Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker rides in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Fire Department Chief William Swann walks in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Members of the Community Equity Alliance march carrying signs reading ÒVoting is LitÓ during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Firefighters with the Nashville Fire Department walk in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker rides in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Chosen Pillow, 5, and Chyne Cleggett, 5, during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Members of Rollin on 3s Nashville ride in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade make its way down Jefferson Street in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Crowds line Jefferson Street during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Crowds line Jefferson Street during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Crowds line Jefferson Street during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Members of the Community Equity Alliance march carrying signs reading “Voting is Lit” during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
East Nashville High School’s Homecoming Queen Bailee Risby, waves to the crowd during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Chosen Pillow, 5, looks on as a marching band passes by during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University alumni and their family members cheer during the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
10/28
Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Denise Price, 8, stands with Donzleigh Price as the two watch the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
11/28
Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Alex Forty West Gibbs, walks his dog, Bam Bam, before the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Aria Whatley, 4, holds her grandfather’s hand, Claude Whatley, TSU Alumni of 1993, as they watch the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade make its way down Jefferson Street in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
The crowd looks on as the Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tasia Jones, an alumni of TSU, dances to the music playing on the street before the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade make its way down Jefferson Street in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Attendees cheer as Jace Crawford, 5, passes out candy with the Sigma Beta Club during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University alumni and their family members cheer during the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Sigma Beta Club members dance along the side of their float during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
TJ Broady holds Terrell Broady III, during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
People look on as the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade begins in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Dancers perform in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tessa Rhodes holds her grandson Tahmir Rodes, 5, as they watch the Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands perform in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker rides in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Nashville Fire Department Chief William Swann walks in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
24/28
Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Members of the Community Equity Alliance march carrying signs reading ÒVoting is LitÓ during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Firefighters with the Nashville Fire Department walk in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker rides in the TSU Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Chosen Pillow, 5, and Chyne Cleggett, 5, during the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Tennessee State University Homecoming parade: Our best photos
Members of Rollin on 3s Nashville ride in the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade make its way down Jefferson Street in Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
"I lost my dad a night ago, and our guys knew that was tough on me, so I appreciate the way that they rallied around me throughout that time and, of course, in today's game," Barlow said. "You might have seen the guys doing the Spider-Man sign out there, but I had to stop them because I didn't want to get a penalty or anything like that."
Barlow, in his second season at TSU (2-5), entered the game against Morgan State (5-2) with 99 career victories on the college and professional (UFL) levels.
"I think we hit 100 wins as a coach and to do it on a day like today, homecoming after losing my pops, it was just really big," Barlow said. "It was a big win for our program, a signature win against a really good team, so I'm definitely proud of them."
TSU took care of the football
TSU had blown second-half leads in three games — UT Martin (Oct. 10), Western Illinois (Oct. 3) and Jackson State (Aug. 29) — and lost each one.
Late-game turnovers were usually to blame, and that's why Barlow and his staff put an extra emphasis on ball protection in practice this week.
What did Barlow say to his players about the importance of holding on to the ball?
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"I don't know if I can say those words in public," he said. "Obviously, we preach it. (Offensive coordinator Matt) Leone and the offensive staff does ball security drills at the beginning of every practice. Obviously, with the quarterback (Daylin Lee), he knew he had to do a better job of taking care of the ball."
Lee threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the last game against UT Martin. He threw two interceptions the week before against Western Illinois. In the Morgan State game, Lee completed 17-of-34 passes for 220 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for a team-high 63 yards.
"I just tried to be smart with the ball and play our game," Lee said. "I put a lot of emphasis on taking care of the ball, running it and throwing it."
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
