By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech football team came out on fire Thursday night as it hosted No. 7 Kennesaw State, but the Owls put on a showcase of their triple-option offense, rolling to a 49-10 win over the Golden Eagles.
It wasn't all negatives for Tech (0-2) though. Freshman Bailey Fisher threw the first touchdown of his career, sending a five-yard strike to a wide-open Alex Carling. Fisher ended the game with 179 passing yards on 19-of-30 passing, while also rushing eight times for 38 yards.
Andrew Goldsmith led the Golden Eagles on the ground, rushing 12 times for 86 yards, while Josh Cunningham led the receivers with seven catches for 63 yards.
Nick Madonia added the other points for Tech, sending a 41-yard field goal through the uprights.
Defensively, Shannon Fayne recorded a career-high 14 tackles, while Jake Warwick had eight and the trio of Chris McElderry, Josh Poplar and Aderick Moore had seven each. Fayne was named the First National Bank of Tennessee-Special Olympics Player of the Game.
The Golden Eagles took an early lead, scoring on their first series of the night on Madonia's field goal. But the Owls' triple-option offense came alive as their three quarterbacks rushed for five touchdowns and KSU rolled up 507 rushing yards.
The game was still in reach until the start of the second half as the Owls scored on the first play of the second half with a 75-yard touchdown run from Darnell Holland, then Chandler Burks ran for the third of his touchdowns on the first play in the Owls' next drive.
Burks ended the game with 11 carries for 91 yards and three touchdowns. Holland led the Owls with 92 yards on four carries.
The Golden Eagles return to action next Thursday as they travel to Utah State for their annual foray against a Football Bowl Subdivision team.
Photo by Tony Marable