By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The Tennessee Tech defense meant business on Saturday. Tim Coutras had two interceptions, including one for a touchdown, Kanstin Brooks almost had a pick-six of his own, then Jyron Gilmore forced a fumble and Aaron Swafford took another fumble back to the house.
Then there was Daniel Rickert. Seven tackles with two sacks. Solid game, but hold on, there's more. Add on two forced fumbles – and he's not done yet. He also had two fumble recoveries, including a 20-yard touchdown.
The defensive effort was huge as the Golden Eagles left Pittsburgh with a 38-13 victory over Robert Morris on Saturday to earn their first Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association victory, improving to 3-5 on the season, 1-2 in the league.
In all, the Golden Eagles forced six Colonial turnovers, converting three of those into touchdowns in the game. The three turnovers for scores are the most recorded in online stats since 2001, and the most since collecting two against Maryville College in the 2011 campaign.
Offensively, Tech put two touchdowns and a field goal on the board off of 255 total offensive yards, collecting 124 on the ground and 131 through the air.
Tech's first score was set up as Brooks intercepted Anthony Chiccitt at the Colonial 19. Brooks chugged up the sideline and was brought down at the RMU 7. Two plays later, Jordyn Potts scored on a one-yard QB keeper.
Early in the second quarter, the Golden Eagles drove up the field, collecting 70 yards on eight plays. The drive ended on a 4th-and-2 as Potts connected with Torin Baker, who powered his way through a tackle and kept going for a 31-yard score.
Following the kickoff, Rickert was able to make his way around to quarterback Tyler Szalkowski, knocking the ball out of his hands. As the Colonial QB watched, Rickert picked the ball up and kept going, collecting a 20-yard scoop-'n-score. Hayden Olsen's third of five PATs in the game made it a 21-0 Tech lead, where the score stood at the intermission.
Chiccitt made it interesting in the third quarter, collecting two touchdown passes in the first seven minutes of the new half. The Colonials were 1-for-2 on the resulting PATs, making it a 21-13 game at the end of three quarters.
With the Colonials inching closer, Olsen gave Tech some breathing room with a 22-yard field goal at 14:19 remaining with a 24-13 Tech lead.
With just over two minutes remaining in the game and the Colonials entering Golden Eagle territory at the 48, Rickert had another sack to jar the ball loose with Swafford picking the ball up and taking it to the house on a 52-yard return.
On the first play of the new RMU drive, Szalkowski was picked off by Coutras for a 39-yard touchdown, putting the final nail on the contest.
Potts ended the game with 131 passing yards on 10-of-22 passing, while also rushing for 77 yards and a score on 12 carries. Justin Pegues led Tech in receiving with 44 yards.
The Golden Eagles return to action next Saturday as Tech plays host to UT Martin for Homecoming. Kickoff from Tucker Stadium is at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
