There was a great deal of excitement for the Tennessee State University fan base when Tennessee State Head Coach Eddie George was able to snag the ultra-talented QB from the transfer portal after his record-breaking freshman season at then Ohio Valley Conference rival Austin Peay. Though there have been some highs and lows after moving to Nashville, Ellis has been a stabilizing force at QB for a program that's desperately needed. This year's Southern Heritage Classic was no different, with Ellis going 20 for 33, for 228 yards and 3 touchdowns against no interceptions. That efficiency, paired with some timely production in the Tennessee State run game( the Tigers out-gained the Golden Lions on the ground to the tune of 196 total rushing yards from scrimmage to 56.), made the difference offensively for the Tigers. The defensive performance for Tennessee State was extremely effective at times, generating 7 QB sacks and 11 total tackles for loss.