By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech head coach Dewayne Alexander's had quite a few big wins in his career. His 50th however may mean a lot more to him.
As the Golden Eagles recognized their seven 2020-21 seniors before Saturday's game against Tennessee State, Tech built on that momentum, surging to a 14-0 lead and never looking back as the Golden Eagles topped the visiting Tigers 24-10.
"Our guys have fought hard this season, they've been resilient," Alexander said. "We knew if we could pull together four quarters and play Golden Eagle football, we can certainly play with anybody. We've shown that. We had some tough games this season and I'm really proud of the way our team has responded."
When the game ended and the players went to greet their families, Alexander was greeted as well as senior Mike Rhoades and his three-year-old son Messiah with a bear hug. It was a special day for so many. Capping it off with a win didn't hurt either.
"I'm very proud of this group of seniors," Alexander said. "Wow, what a ride these seniors have had. It'll be unforgettable for them with everything they've had to persevere. The one word that describes the seven seniors – Adam Browner, Jayquan Coles, Daly Cull, Slater Howard, Luke Maynard, Mike Rhoades and Bryson Tolley – is perseverance. Anyone who watched Senior Day today, four of the seven were out with injuries -- some season-ending, some career-ending. They've gone through coaching changes.
"Those guys are loyal Golden Eagles. They are the foundation that this program was built around. They've had several coaches stand in front of them trying to get them to buy in. Everybody on this team, on this staff, wanted this game for these guys."
Alexander continued as he was getting choked up, "They're a very special group. I don't think anyone really understands what this group has gone through just to continue to play football."
With the victory, Tech has ensured the Sergeant York Trophy is coming back to Cookeville with a share of the title – the Golden Eagles stand at two wins with next week's game at UT Martin to go in the OVC's four-team round-robin between the Tennessee schools. Still with pride on the line and the opportunity to win it outright, Tech isn't celebrating on that just yet.
"We want to finish this season out on a strong note," Alexander said, "and we have the opportunity to go 3-0 in the Sergeant York Trophy race and be the undisputed champ. We don't want any tiebreakers and that'll be the first time we've done that since 2009. That's something to play for and this win was a shot in the arm to do that."
The Golden Eagles held on to the ball and never let go. From start to finish, Tech rolled up 369 yards on 70 plays and possessed the ball for 35:37. There weren't any turnovers on the Golden Eagles' side, while Josh Reliford picked off a pass to set up a scoring drive.
Willie Miller looked comfortable in his third career start at quarterback, completing 14 of his 23 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown. The offense pulled together big play after big play – 12 in double-digit yardage – as Tech rushed for 201 yards as well.
Ashton Maples caught a 39-yard pass, while Brad Clark had catches for 33 and 19, while Quinton Cross (20) and D.J. Moyers (17) also had long-distance calls from Miller. On the ground, Kurt Taylor, Jr., had four double-digit rushes including a 46-yarder, while also running for 12, 11 and 10, the latter a touchdown. Jordan Brown also ran for 35, Quinton Cross for 30 and Miller called his own number for 17 yards.
"We've gotten a lot more continuity on the offensive line," Alexander said. "Willie Miller is playing more and more composed each week."
On the other side of the coin, though, Tennessee State collected 13 tackles-for-loss, but it wasn't enough to slow the Golden Eagles down.
Tech jumped on the scoreboard with 5:45 left as Miller completed a four-yard touchdown pass to Brad Clark to end a six-play, 47-yard drive. The Golden Eagles marched down the field again, collecting 90 yards on 10 plays, ending as Brown took a direct snap and powered forward for the touchdown midway into the second quarter.
Tennessee State found its way on the scoreboard late in the second as Antonio Zita hit a 51-yard field goal. Not to be outdone, Tech freshman kicker Hayden Olsen added a career-long 52 yarder for the lone points in the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Tech scored one more time as Reliford intercepted TSU quarterback Deveon Bryant and returned it to the Tiger 10. Taylor took the ball and cut through for the 10-yard touchdown on the next play.
TSU did find the end zone with six minutes to go in the game as Bryant called his own number and ran in for a 13-yard score.
Tech's defense held TSU to 159 yards on 50 plays, 72 on the ground and 87 through the air. Bryant led the Tigers in rushing with seven carries for 42 yards, while also completing five of 15 passes for 41 yards. Isaiah Green completed eight of his 10 passes for 46 yards.
Seth Carlisle led the Golden Eagles with seven tackles.
The Golden Eagles (2-4) return to action next Sunday as they close out the 2020-21 campaign on the road at UT Martin.
Photo | Jim Dillon
