By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech football team donned full pads for the first time of the fall Wednesday morning, providing the ability for the offense and defense to hit each other with very few limits.

What Happened Today: The Golden Eagles added full pads to an otherwise pretty normal practice session. Team worked through two hours of practice drills with the offense facing the defense for nearly half that time...the offense showed an ability to move the ball effectively for much of practice, putting together several highlights...kickoff coverage and kick returns were also a focus on the day.

Best Offensive Play of the Day: Senior QW Darian Stone faked everyone on the field out of their shoes, pulling back a handoff to Willie Davis at the very last second before breaking through a hole on the right side of line. After juking and cutting his away around two defensive players, he was off to the races for a beautiful 45-yard touchdown run, untouched.

Best Defensive Play of the Day: In skeleton drills, redshirt freshman defensive end Joe Robertson read an out-route perfectly, breaking on the ball and collecting what would have been an easy, 70-yard touchdown.

They Said It: "I'm ready to win another one [OVC championship]! Are you? Then let's get out here every day and play like it!"           – Head coach Watson Brown addressing the team after practice.

What's Next: The 9 a.m. practice will feature full pads for the second straight day, placing an emphasis on punting and kickoff coverage. Also featured will be more offense-versus-defense drills.

Getting offensive
The Tech offense was rolling during the Wednesday's practice, putting up several highlight-reel plays, including long runs, diving catchers and consistent yardage.

In the full offense-versus-defense drills, the offense grabbed 15 or more yards on its first four plays, making quick work of the hurry-up offense.

Junior Radir Annoor turned up one of two huge runs on the day, scampering up the middle and making a nice cut to score a 43-yard touchdown in a third-and-eight situation.

Darian Stone also put together an impressive 45-yard romp, faking a handoff and cutting back for a touchdown.

Get your season tickets
The Golden Eagles will host six home football games during the 2014 season, opening against Kentucky Christian on Thursday, Aug. 28. After that, Tech will welcome Murray State on Saturday, Oct. 4 (7 p.m.), Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 18 (7 p.m.), Eastern Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 1 (1:30 p.m.), Southeast Missouri for Homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 8 (1:30 p.m.), and Chattanooga on Saturday, Nov. 15 (1:30 p.m.).

For season ticket information, contact the Tennessee Tech Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call 931-372-3940. Tickets are also on sale online at TTUsports.com.

And sign up for this year's Women's Clinic
For the second straight year, Tech football's annual Gathering of Eagles will feature the "Now You Know" Women's Football Clinic. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, head coach Watson Brown will host the event for the second season in a row. The women's clinic is free but space is limited. The first 100 participants to sign-up (by calling 931-372-3940) will receive a specially designed tote bag and an opportunity to tour the TTU athletic facilities.