College Football Wrap-Up: Nashville‑Area Highlights

Photo / Cumberland Athletics / Record breaking weekend

The Nashville area’s college‑football weekend brought big performances and tough lessons for local teams.

Cumberland 72, Faulkner 14

Cumberland closed its season with a program‑record offensive outburst, scoring a school‑best 72 points in a dominant win. QB Jake Parker was the catalyst, accounting for six total touchdowns as the program amassed 461 rushing yards. The 72–14 result capped a 7–4 season and highlighted Cumberland’s physical run game and balanced attack.

Austin Peay 30, Samford 16

Austin Peay closed its home slate a perfect 6–0 for the first time since 1949, turning key turnovers into points in a statement win. Montreze Smith Jr. returned an interception for a touchdown and the defense recorded a season‑high 11 tackles for loss. QB Chris Parson passed for 265 yards and a touchdown, and Kaden Williams contributed both a rushing and receiving TD. The Governors now head into a crucial showdown at No. 5 Tarleton State on Nov. 22 looking to carry momentum into postseason play.

Gardner‑Webb 30, Tennessee State 14

Tennessee State fell to 2–9 after a slow start left the Tigers down 23–0. Byron McNair showed flashes through the air, and Tennessee State’s defense limited Gardner‑Webb to 272 total yards, but the early deficit proved costly. With one game remaining, TSU will aim to finish the season on a positive note while addressing the issues that stalled their comeback.

Kentucky 42, Tennessee Tech 10

Tennessee Tech’s 15‑game winning streak came to an end against SEC opponent Kentucky, but the Golden Eagles finished with a strong 10–1 record. QB Kekoa Visperas threw a touchdown against an aggressive defense, though Tech was outgained and unable to sustain drives. Tennessee Tech now turns its focus to a crucial matchup with UT Martin as it looks to regroup.

WKU 42, Middle Tennessee 26

Middle Tennessee pushed Western Kentucky into the late stages but ultimately fell 42–26. In his first collegiate start, Roman Gagliano threw for 389 yards and two TDs and added 82 rushing yards, sparking multiple big plays — including a 52‑yard connection to Myles Butler and a 34‑yard TD run by DJ Taylor. Parker Hughes’ 62‑yard interception return provided a defensive highlight. Despite the loss, MTSU showed offensive promise and will honor seniors in the final home game against Sam Houston on Nov. 22.

Vanderbilt (bye)

Vanderbilt had the week off but climbed to No. 13 in the polls after its overtime win at Auburn. The Commodores are 8–2 and will return to action hosting Kentucky in a key late‑season test that could shape bowl positioning.

Looking Ahead: With the regular season winding down, Nashville‑area teams face pivotal games that will determine bowl berths, postseason seeding and momentum into next year. From Austin Peay’s historic home run to Cumberland’s record scoring and Vanderbilt’s strong ranking the region’s programs have plenty to be proud of this season.