By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The early going was positive for the Tennessee Tech football team on Saturday night. The Golden Eagles forced turnovers, moved the ball and ended the first stanza all square at 7-7.
That changed in the second quarter as New Mexico outscored Tech 21-3 before the half, then scored 28 unanswered points in the second half as the Lobos out of the Football Bowl Subdivision Mountain West Conference defeated the Golden Eagles 56-10.
Tech (0-2) returns to action next week for its home opener as the Golden Eagles host North Alabama on Saturday.
The Golden Eagles found a way to cut down the turnovers that plagued them against Football Championship Subdivision No. 6 Furman last week, losing just two fumbles in the contest.
However, on Saturday, it was big plays allowed that tripped up the Golden Eagles. New Mexico collected 587 yards of total offense on 56 plays. Seventeen of those plays were for 15-or-more yards for 483 yards, including six touchdowns. Of that, 249 yards came on seven passing plays and 234 yards came on 10 rushing plays.
It was a big night for Lobo running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt as he rushed for 162 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries, averaging 13.5 yards per tote. Quarterback Dylan Hopkins – a Maryville, Tenn., native – threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns on 13-of-17 passing. His one miscue was an interception by Jackson Price.
Ethan Roberts took a few shots, but stayed strong in the pocket, throwing for 164 yards on 17-of-29 passing with a six-yard touchdown pass to Metrius Fleming in the first quarter. Hayden Olsen extended his Tech-record PAT streak, then added a 37-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.
Brad Clark led the Tech receivers with five catches for 43 yards, while Hunter Barnhart had two catches for 38 yards. Jayvian Allen also had 14 carries for 67 yards and Justin Pegues had eight totes for 41 yards.
Defensively, Price, Tim Coutras and Angel Garcia led the Golden Eagles with six tackles each.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information