COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It's all about the brand, about being the most physical, determined, relentless, accountable, toughest team in the country, throwing body blows for four quarters until their opponents quit.

 

Through Tennessee Tech's camp thus far, their opponents haven't been wearing a different color than their own. They have been the elements, adversity and their own self-doubt.

 

As the Golden Eagles concluded their first scrimmage of the camp schedule on Monday night, they showed themselves to be more confident, willing to withstand whatever is thrown at them and a desire to get better.

 

While it wasn't the prettiest scrimmage for either side, it was a promising one.

 

But it seems like the Golden Eagles are also becoming experts at facing adversity. On Friday, it was heat. On Monday night, it was the skies that opened.

 

"We were excited when we came out here to start the scrimmage and it was pouring down rain," said Tech head coach Marcus Satterfield. "We take pride in doing things that were really, really hard and that gave some hard things to deal with tonight. I didn't hear one kid or one coach say anything about the rain, so we've grown up in a year."

 

It was doubly advantageous because it allowed the team to work on some mechanics that other teams may not have had to work with yet, such as ball control in treacherous conditions.

 

"Sometimes you worry because you don't get that practice," Satterfield said. "Sometimes you don't get wet ball drills and we got it all night. It was far from perfect and, at times, we looked like garbage out there, but they played really, really hard and really, really physical. If all we have to do is teach them the plays now instead of playing hard, then we'll be OK."

 

And the scrimmage was the conclusion of the tutoring aspect of camp.

 

"We told them that it was going to be sloppy," Satterfield said. "If it was perfect, we'd take that, but every first scrimmage is going to be sloppy. But if you have to shame them into playing hard and playing physical in the first scrimmage, you're probably not going to be a successful, tough and physical football team. Our kids came out here and played really hard all night."

 

The experience on defense showed as Tech picked off a few passes, forced a few fumbles and made the night a long one for the offensive unit.

 

"The defense did a great job creating deflections and pass break-ups because they were running to the football," Satterfield said. "That allowed them to make a lot more plays. I have no idea what it's going to look like on film, but the energy was good and that's all we can ask for."

 

That's not to say that the offense didn't play well. With a lot of new faces learning the system and playing into their roles, they still had some shining moments. Needless to say, they're getting a lot better.

 

"Definitely," Satterfield said. "Our young O-line is getting better and made some great holds. Rodrick Napper made some great runs, as did (Andrew) Goldsmith. Jerome (Wright, a Virginia Tech transfer) made some tough, hard-nosed runs.

 

"We're where we need to be. That definitely wasn't the worst first scrimmage I've been a part of, but if we can keep progressing with the attitude we've got, we'll be OK."

 

The Golden Eagles continue fall camp through August 24, concluding with the annual Gathering of Eagles event, starting with the kids' clinic at 6 p.m. Tech opens its season on August 31 as it hosts Football Championship Subdivision No. 25 Western Illinois.

 

Season tickets are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or log on to TTUsports.com to order today.