September 8, 2010

Golden Eagles to tackle highest-ranked football foe in OVC history

After a 30-21 victory last weekend, the TCU Horned Frogs have jumped to No. 4 in the national rankings, presenting the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles with a unique challenge -- facing the highest ranked football foe in OVC history.

Find out about the Tech Alumni Pregame Tailgate event
TTU game notes vs. TCU (PDF)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- One could argue that Tennessee Tech's Golden Eagles are opening the 2010 campaign against the toughest pair of opponents in the nation. Tech is one of just four teams to open the season facing back-to-back Top 25 opponents in the first two weeks -- and the ONLY team from the Football Championship Subdivision to do so.

This weekend, the Golden Eagles journey to Texas to face the No. 4 (AP) TCU Horned Frogs. It's the highest-ranked football opponent in Ohio Valley Conference history.

And, the Golden Eagles have apparently earned some respect despite falling 44-3 to No. 17 Arkansas last weekend in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks climbed three spots in the AP poll this week to No. 14.

Tech led 3-0 after one quarter at Arkansas before absorbing the loss. TCU, meanwhile, posted a 30-21 victory over Oregon State in Texas Stadium.

The game is the first on campus for the Horned Frogs, who rambled through an undefeated regular season last year and finished 13-1 overall.

The game with TCU will mark a reunion of sorts. Horned Frog head coach Gary Patterson and assistant Dick Bumpas were both members of the Tech coaching staff in 1983-84.

It is also the second straight week that the Golden Eagle defense will battle against one of the preseason Heisman candidates. Last week, Ryan Mallett led Arkansas and this week Tech faces TCU quarterback Andy Dalton, also mentioned among the nation's top Heisman contenders.

The Golden Eagles did manage a plus-three for turnover margin at Arkansas. Tech did not lose a turnover while making two interceptions and recovering a fumble against the Razorbacks.

Following their game at TCU, the Golden Eagles will play their first of five home games Thursday night (Sept. 16) when they host the Lane College Dragons. Season tickets for Tech football are on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or by calling (931) 372-3940.

Records in 2010:

Tennessee Tech is 0-1 overall / 0-0 Ohio Valley Conference
TCU is 1-0 overall / 0-0 Mountain West Conference
2010 Rankings: TCU is No. 4 (AP); Tech received votes in FCS preseason poll
Series Record: This game will be the first meeting between the two teams
Tech Radio:
Golden Eagle Sports Network (Roger Ealey, Buddy Pearson, Brandon Goodwin)
also Free Teamline (Call 1-800-846-4675 - team code 0654)
Television: None
Live Stats: www.GoFrogs.com
Last Game:
Tech lost at No. 17 Arkansas, 44-3
TCU defeated No. 24 Oregon State, 30-21
Web sites:
Tennessee Tech - www.TTUsports.com
TCU - www.GoFrogs.com