Bio

Setting the table for a renaissance-type year on the gridiron could have made the season-opener against Samford a Game of the Year nominee by itself. But it was the way it all went down at Tucker Stadium that will keep it ingrained in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to witness it and made it the easy choice for this year's Game of the Year.

Tech triumphed in the inaugural contest of the 2019 season, which also represented the kickoff of the 150^th year of college football, edging the Bulldogs in an instant classic, 59-58. At one point, however, the Golden Eagles pulling off a win seemed even more unlikely than the team winning six games on the year did to those voting in the preseason polls just months before.

With just eight minutes to play in the contest, the purple and gold found itself in a 19-point hole, needing nothing short of a miracle to turn the tides. Enter sophomore quarterback Bailey Fisher and the beginning of one of the most dominant seasons by Golden Eagle signal-caller in program history.

The Clayton, Ga. native connected with tight end Tavin Kilpatrick for a 3-yard score with 7:51 to play, officially igniting the comeback. Samford responded at the 2:20 mark with a field goal, leaving the Golden Eagles with a 16-point deficit.

Tech embarked on a 56-yard drive, needing just six plays and 54 seconds to march down the field. Fisher again struck pay dirt, finding freshman wide receiver Justin Oden open from 12 yards out for the touchdown. He found the rookie again for a two-point conversion, making it just a one-score affair.

A pair of seniors delivered in giving the purple and gold the final possession with just 1:16 on the clock. Kicker Haidar Zaidan chipped an onside attempt towards the Samford return unit and wide receiver Darius Stafford recovered the ball 13 downfield, sending the Golden Eagle sideline into a frenzy.

Once again, Fisher took the reins of the offense and marched his team towards the end zone, using seven plays to go 52 yards. This time, the sophomore took it in himself, scampering in on the ground from eight yards out. He followed with another rushing attempt, stretching across the goal line for another two-point conversion to tie the game with just 31 seconds to go in regulation.

The Golden Eagles were the first to take the ball on offense in the first overtime period, needing just three plays to take their first lead since the first quarter. Fisher again found his way into the end zone on the ground, scoring from six yards out. Samford answered on three plays of its own, sending the game into a second overtime.

With the possession order switching for the second extra period, the Bulldogs took advantage and scored another touchdown on just two plays, moving back in front 58-51. Showing no panic on its sideline, Coach Alexander put the game in the hands of both Fisher and running back Andrew Goldsmith.

After a one-yard carry by the senior back, Fisher found him through the air for a 10-yard gain and a first down. The offense went back to Goldsmith again on the ground, and the Jackson, Tenn. native used a combination of power and finesse to romp his way into the end zone for a touchdown.

Not looking for a third period of overtime, Coach Alexander decided to end the game, one way or another on the next play. With the team opting to attempt a two-point conversion, the ball was put in the hands of Fisher.

The quarterback took one step back after the snap and tossed a floater to a wide-open David Gist in the end zone. The Cookeville native made an incredible leaping grab, falling in the end zone and holding on to give the Golden Eagles the incredible victory.