By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech football team came out with a statement on Thursday night, recovering an onside kick on the opening kickoff, then putting together a first-quarter score.
But Wofford built momentum and scored 21 unanswered points in the final three quarters to spoil the Golden Eagles' opener in a 21-7 loss at Tucker Stadium.
"We've got things to improve on and get better on," said head coach Marcus Satterfield during the team's post-game press conference. "We'll get back to work on (Friday) morning."
Kip Patton scored the Golden Eagles' lone touchdown as he scored on a four-yard run to cap a five-play, 40-yard series.
However, Wofford was able to pull away on three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Brad Butler, who ended the game with 85 yards on 11 carries. He also completed four of his five passes for 30 yards.
"He's a tough kid and he made some great plays," Satterfield said.
Will Gay ended the game with 116 yards on nine carries for the Terriers (1-0).
The game did have a scary moment with 4:27 remaining and the game tied at seven in the third quarter. Wofford junior linebacker Michael Roach collapsed on the Terrier sideline, prompting attention from both training staffs and Putnam County EMS. Roach was transported and kept overnight at Cookeville Regional Medical Center for observation according to a statement from the Wofford athletic department.
After both teams met at midfield for a prayer for Roach's recovery, the Terriers responded for their fallen teammate, quickly scoring the go-ahead touchdown as Butler scored on a seven-yard run.
Butler scored again in the fourth quarter on a 21-yard scamper.
There were still bright spots for the Golden Eagles (0-1). Freshman running back Yeedee Thaenrat rushed nine times for 49 yards, breaking off a 17-yarder to lead his evening.
Quarterback Michael Birdsong, a Marshall transfer, had a good night, converting 22 of his 34 passes into 216 yards. However, the Terriers picked him off once and were able to get to him five times for sacks.
Brock McCoin, who missed the last week of preseason camp with an injury, was back in the lineup and caught seven passes for 94 yards, including a 46-yard reception to lead all receivers.
Freshman safety Deontay Wilson had a great first game with the Golden Eagles, collecting 14 tackles. It's the most for a freshman defender in two seasons, since Trey Thompson accomplished the same feat against Murray State with 15 tackles in 2014.
Josh Poplar and Elliott Normand each also recorded career-high totals with 12 tackles, while Kevin Robinson-White reached a new career high with 11 stops.
Tech returns to action next week as the Golden Eagles open Ohio Valley Conference play in Clarksville as Tech takes on Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 10.
