Click here to view/download TTU vs. JSU game notes (PDF)
By Rob Schabert, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Throughout the seasons, the mere mention of the word "Homecoming" has meant something special on the Tennessee Tech campus. Alumni return to their alma mater, and the current student body spends the whole week looking forward to the football game.
That special day has arrived, as the Golden Eagles (3-5/0-4 OVC) host always-tough Jacksonville State (5-2/1-2 OVC) for the school's 83rd annual Homecoming game. Tech has posted an all-time record of 43-38-1 on Homecoming, but has lost the last three times to Eastern Kentucky, Murray State and Eastern Illinois.
The Gamecocks have been Tech's guest on Homecoming only once, coming to town in 2008 and claiming a 41-17 victory.
JSU owns a slim 10-6 edge in the all-time series with Tech, including an 8-4 mark since the Gamecocks joined the OVC in 2001.
Tech is coming off a 24-10 loss at Eastern Kentucky last Saturday, while JSU has had two weeks to prepare for this game following a 31-15 loss to Tennessee State on Oct. 12.
JSU ranks second in the OVC in total offense, rushing offense and passing offense, and is third in the league in scoring offense.
The visitors boast DaMarcus James at running back. He ranks fourth in the OVC in rushing and third in scoring. Quarterback Max Shortell is third in the league in passing and total offense.
The Tech defense, meanwhile, has a couple of marquee players. Safety Marty Jones leads the OVC in tackles while linebacker Tra'Darius Goff is third. Malcolm Mitchell is among league leaders in quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss.
Offensively, junior Darian Stone is hoping to get back to action after missing last week's game due to a hand injury. Stone has shared playing time with redshirt freshman Jared Davis this season as the pair has tried to generate points with an offensive unit that has been hit hard with injuries.
Saturday's game also features the league's two best punters and two of the top three placekickers in the OVC.
In addition to Homecoming, it will also be Tech's annual Hall of Fame Game, as the Class of 2013 will be introduced. This year's class includes five former student-athletes who will be inducted Friday night at the Hall of Fame Dinner. They are Kylie Crouch (golf), Stephanie Dallmann (softball), Wes Gallagher (football), Lupita Hernandez York (tennis) and Damien Kinloch (basketball).
The 98.5 Kiss FM Tailgate Park opens at 10:30 a.m., and the Golden Eagle Walk will pass through the park at 11:15 a.m.
Tickets to the game and the dinner are available by visiting the Athletic Ticket Office in Eblen Center or by calling 931-372-3940. Tickets may also be purchased online at TTUsports.com.
June 28, 2014
Tech Homecoming chosen as ESPN3/OVC Game of the Week
June 23, 2014
ESPN3 to air eight-game OVC Game of the Week package
May 15, 2014
Golden Eagle summer camps just around the corner
April 4, 2014
Annual Purple/Gold Spring Scrimmage is Saturday at noon
March 24, 2014
New professional football team includes former Golden Eagles
February 27, 2014
Stressing fundamentals, Golden Eagles open Spring Drills Saturday
February 24, 2014
Captains announced, team awards presented at annual Football Dinner
February 11, 2014
Tech alumnus Corey Chamblin named CFL Coach of the Year
February 4, 2014
Follow Tech's football signings Wednesday on social media and more
January 29, 2014
Golden Eagles add familiar face in Pat Donohoe as assistant coach
January 16, 2014
Two Golden Eagles picked for USA Football Bowl all-star game Monday
December 18, 2013
Zinchini nets another All-America honor, this from Beyond Sports Network
December 17, 2013
Zinchini, Sherrill to suit up in 2013 FCS Senior Scout Bowl Saturday
December 17, 2013
Tech punter Chad Zinchini named All-America by College Sports Madness
December 16, 2013
Six Golden Eagles on College Sports Madness all-OVC squad
November 26, 2013
Five Golden Eagles included on all-OVC football honor squads
November 23, 2013
Golden Eagle defense gets shutout, ground game keys 34-0 OVC victory
November 22, 2013
One of Tech's most loyal fans, Hoke White funeral is Saturday
November 21, 2013
Special events featured Saturday as Golden Eagles host APSU in finale
November 21, 2013
Former Golden Eagle Corey Chamblin coaches Sunday in CFL Grey Cup
November 21, 2013
Military, Public Safety Appreciation Day is Saturday in Tucker Stadium
November 13, 2013
Rogers' first NFL action could be Thursday vs. Tennessee Titans
November 10, 2013
All the way back: Marty Jones named OVC Defensive Player of the Week
November 10, 2013
Stone named OVC Offensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness
November 6, 2013
Golden Eagles wrap up road schedule at Southeast Missouri Saturday
November 1, 2013
Watson Brown Show Player Profile segment avaliable: Jimmy Laughlin
October 26, 2013
Gamecocks control tempo, hand Tech 34-14 Homecoming loss
October 24, 2013
Watson Brown Show Player Profile segment available: James Normand
October 22, 2013
HOMECOMING: Golden Eagles host Jacksonville State Saturday
October 22, 2013
Watson Brown Show Player Profile segment avaliable: Bill Dillard
October 17, 2013
Wes Gallagher to be inducted into TTU Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 25
October 16, 2013
Golden Eagles visit Eastern Kentucky for Colonels' Homecoming game
October 14, 2013
He does it again: Chad Zinchini National FCS Punter of the Week
October 9, 2013
Watson Brown Show Player Profile segment avaliable
October 7, 2013
Golden Eagle Blackout II is Thursday night vs. UT Martin
October 5, 2013
Golden Eagles face OVC road challenge at Murray State Saturday
September 30, 2013
Johnson selected as College Sporting News National All-Star of the Week
September 29, 2013
Johnson, Huguely receive OVC Weekly Player of the Week honors
September 28, 2013
Davis directs game-winning drive, Golden Eagles pull out one-point victory
September 27, 2013
Golden Eagle coach Watson Brown featured in Tennessean story
September 26, 2013
Where have they landed? Wayne Anderson
September 26, 2013
Golden Eagles welcome Indiana State Sycamores for first-ever meeting
September 26, 2013
Golden Eagle football staff participating in nationwide Coach To Cure MD
September 21, 2013
Tennessee State hands Tech 41-21 OVC loss in Tucker Stadium
September 20, 2013
Save 28 percent? How about saving 60 percent? Think season tickets
September 19, 2013
Where have they landed? Jeff Norman
September 18, 2013
OVC, Sgt. York races begin Saturday as Golden Eagles host Tennessee State
September 16, 2013
Golden Eagle football team to honor alumni at annual Football Legends Night
September 14, 2013
Golden Eagles claim character-testing, 30-27 comeback victory at Hampton
September 13, 2013
Extended version of Watson Brown Show Profile: Ladarius Vanlier
September 12, 2013
Where have they landed? Tight end Jim Bishop
September 11, 2013
Golden Eagle firepower hoping to sink Pirate ship Saturday
September 9, 2013
Weekly Insider's Lunch with Watson Brown begins today
September 9, 2013
Zinchini receives CFPA Punter of the Week recognition
September 8, 2013
Long Distance: Zinchini earns OVC co-Special Teams Player of the Week
September 7, 2013
No. 21 Wisconsin powers past Golden Eagles, 48-0
September 5, 2013
Where have they landed? Offensive tackle Frank Omiyale
September 5, 2013
Extended version of Watson Brown Show Player Profile: Cody Forbes
September 4, 2013
Five different teams represented in 2013 Hall of Fame Class
September 2, 2013
Vanlier selected National Punt Return Performer of the Week by CFPA
September 2, 2013
OVC taps Vanlier as co-Special Teams Player of the Week
September 1, 2013
Visitation Monday for Golden Eagle Hall of Fame coach Bob Joye
August 27, 2013
Something new coming to Tailgate Park: Golden Eagle Walk
August 27, 2013
Football game to impact campus parking Thursday
August 26, 2013
First Tennessee Bank Poster Night is Thursday at Tucker Stadium
August 24, 2013
Reserve a space in the 98.5 KISS FM Tailgate Park
August 18, 2013
Alumni gathering planned when Golden Eagles visit Wisconsin
August 12, 2013
Golden Voice: Roger Ealey receives 2013 OVC Media Award
July 16, 2013
Five Golden Eagles earn preseason all-OVC recognition
June 20, 2013
Punter Chad Zinchini tabbed as BSN preseason All-America