TSU, Eddie George celebrate homecoming

One week after Tennessee State football coach Eddie George decried his program's lack of support, Tiger fans will have the opportunity to come out for the team's homecoming game on Saturday.

• The game will follow the iconic TSU homecoming parade, which starts at 9am on Jefferson Street.

Why it matters: Hiring George, the former Titans superstar, offered a chance for the historically Black university to inject life into its program. Attendance has been tepid so far, but the annual homecoming game and its full week of festivities is a major event for TSU alumni.

• In taking the TSU job, George followed the path of another NFL legend, Deion Sanders, who took over the reins as coach at HBCU Jackson State last year.

What he's saying: George said earlier this month he's noticed the lack of attendance at home games. The Tigers have averaged 2,466 fans for its two contests at Nissan Stadium.

• "To be honest, it is disappointing to walk out there and to see literally nobody in the stands," George told the Tennessean. "We appreciate the fans that have supported us. But it is discouraging when you see that because you don't have a real home-field advantage."

State of play: On the field, George's team is off to a 4-3 start, with Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State coming to Nashville on Saturday.

Of note: Police urge fans to arrive early at Nissan Stadium in advance of the 5pm kickoff to help with traffic flow.