The 1973 Tennessee State Tigers football team represented Tennessee State University as an independent during the

1973 NCAA Division II football season The 1973 NCAA Division II football season, part of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division II level. The season began in September and concluded with the Division II Champi ...

. In their 11th season under head coach John Merritt, the Tigers compiled a 10–0 record and outscored all opponents by a total of 333 to 87. The team was also recognized as the 1973 black college national champion and was ranked No. 1 in the final 1973 NCAA College Division football rankings issued by both the Associated Press and the United Press International. Tennessee State did not compete in the playoffs "because five of its starters would not be eligible to play." The players in question had sat out their freshmen year (" redshirt") and then played four seasons; under NCAA rules at the time, such players were not eligible for postseason play as fifth-year seniors.

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References

{{Black college football national champion navbox Tennessee State Tennessee State Tigers football seasons NCAA Small College Football Champions Black college football national champions College football undefeated seasons Tennessee State Tigers football