Defense leads highlights at first scrimmage
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Mother Nature may have shortened Tennessee Tech’s first scrimmage, but there was no question it was still a productive one for the Golden Eagles on Saturday. A lightning delay with another developing system behind it forced the day to end after 65 plays, but there was still time to get every group some reps across the 90-minute time.
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Mother Nature may have shortened Tennessee Tech's first scrimmage, but there was no question it was still a productive one for the Golden Eagles on Saturday.
A lightning delay with another developing system behind it forced the day to end after 65 plays, but there was still time to get every group some reps across the 90-minute time.
The defense had both scoring plays on the day. The second series of the scrimmage ended as Michael Dixon forced a fumble on a Jordan Brown carry. Marcus McMeans scooped up the loose ball and took it back 57 yards for a touchdown.
Later on, Lem Wash fired upfield, but Lane Miller was there for the interception. Miller worked his way down the left sideline, evading his offensive teammates, then worked into the end zone for the second defensive score of the afternoon.
McMeans ended the day with three tackles and a pass breakup, including a tackle on tight end Hunter Barnhart's 12-yard catch where the senior defender caught him in midair and ending any additional chance of progress.
The defense also held on a fourth-down try. All-OVC preseason pick Chris Tucker had one of Tech's three sacks while Jamaal Singleton picked off a pass and Kilon Williams recovered a fumble to highlight the day.
That's not to say the offense had a bad day. Willie Miller and the Tech first-liners were able to move the chains five times in the shortened scrimmage. Barnhart had two catches for 27 yards in the first series, while Jalal Dean made a 16-yard connection from QB Braden Carnes. The Louisville transfer from Greenback also threw a 15-yard pass to Quinton Cross.
Tech returns to camp work this week – a slight deviation in the schedule as classes begin on campus as well – and will invite fans back to Tucker Stadium on Saturday for the annual Gathering of Eagles event before closing out camp next Sunday, the 22nd, before preparing for Sept. 2's season-opener at Samford.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
