CLARSKVILLE, Tenn. –Telvin Hooks scored on two third-quarter touchdown runs to break open a close contest as Tennessee State defeated Austin Peay State University, 31-6, Saturday, in Ohio Valley Conference play at Hale Stadium.

The loss drops the Governors to 0-10 on the season, 0-6 in the OVC, while TSU snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 8-3 overall and 5-2 in league play.

Leading by only a 10-6 halftime margin—APSU kicked two second-quarter field goals after TSU jumped out to a 10-0 first-period advantage—the Tigers reverted to what helped them gain early momentum, the rushing game. Using the combination of Tim Broughton and Telvin Hooks, TSU pounded away on the ground.

It took Tennessee State just eight plays to travel 75 yards after the second-half kickoff before Hooks slipped tackles to bounce into the end zone from five yards out to give TSU a 17-6 advantage.

Later in the period, Hooks swept right and cut back for a 27-yard run to give TSU an insurmountable 24-6 advantage. The Tigers added another TD late in the fourth quarter for the final margin.

TSU's defense, which had been mauled with 80 points in the previous two weeks, regained its previous form by limiting the Governors to just 92 yards total offense, sacking APSU quarterback five times. It was the fewest offensive yards by the Governors since they had 91 in losing to North Dakota State to open the season 2008 season. The Governors finished just 2-of-18 in third conversions.

Running back Omar Williams, who had back-to-back 100-yard rushing efforts the previous two weeks, was held to just seven yards on 15 attempts.  

Junior quarterback Andrew Spivey, who missed the previous three games with shoulder problems, returned for the Governors in the quarter and helped engineer both scoring drives. In relief of Timarious Mitchell, he finished 5-of-14 passing for 44 yards and four sacks.

Tennessee State, held in check by the Governors in the second quarter, finished with 319 yards in total offense.

Austin Peay will conclude its 2013 home schedule while at the same ending Governors Stadium in its current structure when Southeast Missouri comes to town for a 1 p.m. contest. After the game concludes and the 67-year-old stadium is cleared a ceremonial demolition will occur on the stadium's east side.

-AP-