Posted: Oct 01, 2024
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech junior defensive lineman Theron Gaines was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week by both the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and FCS Nation Radio on Tuesday after earning the Stats Perform FCS National Player of the Week and sharing the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference's defensive honor.
With no power at Gardner-Webb after Hurricane Helene passed through the western part of North Carolina, the two teams lined up in an old-school manner and Gaines dominated the Runnin' Bulldogs as the Golden Eagles defeated the defending Big South-OVC champions 52-21 to improve to 2-0 in conference play for the first time since 2011.
Gaines, a Murfreesboro product, recorded seven total tackles – six of those solo – as he had three sacks for 36 yards and 3.5 tackles-for-loss for 38 yards. He also forced a fumble that teammate Daniel Rickert returned for a 50-yard touchdown.
The three sacks stand two short of the single-game record five that Branon Vaughn recorded in 1988 against Eastern Kentucky and Elois Grooms posted against Murray State in 1974.
The Golden Eagles return to action at home this weekend as Tech hosts South Carolina State on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Tucker Stadium.
Tickets for Tennessee Tech Football are on sale now -- call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
