NASHVILLE -- Bethune-Cookman's season opener woes continued Saturday as Tennessee State handled the Wildcats 34-3 in the 20th Annual John Merritt Classic at Nissan Stadium.

TSU quarterback Michael Hughes threw for 170 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another as the Tigers kept the Wildcats winless on opening day for the fourth consecutive year. It also marked the Wildcats' largest margin of defeat against an FCS team since a 42-6 loss to Florida A&M in the 2009 Florida Blue Florida Classic (Nov. 21, 2009).

The Wildcat offense managed just 244 total yards and could only deliver a career-long 46 yard Uriel Hernandez field goal out of two red zone possessions. Bethune-Cookman was just 2-13 on third downs and 0-3 on fourth.

Tennessee State took a 14-0 first quarter lead on Hughes' 20-yarder to Devon Johnson and DeMarco Cousin's one-yard burst after a Wildcat interception gave the Tigers a short field.

The Tigers got some home luck just before halftime when a fumble bounced back into Hughes' hands and he scored with three seconds remaining to give the Tigers a 21-3 halftime lead.

Akevious Williams finished 13 of 23 for 156 yards with two interceptions. Keavon Mitchell had four catches for 31 yards while Taron Mallard posted three catches for 52. Florida State Malique Jackson had an early highlight with a 51-yard reception.

Trenton Bridges led the defense with nine tackles and a sack.

Javaunie Francis' punting night saw the senior have seven kicks  with a 44.1 yard average with a long of 60.

The Wildcats come home to Daytona Municipal Stadium on Saturday to face Virginia University of Lynchburg. Kickoff is 4 p.m.