No. 15 Golden Eagles face Davidson Wildcats for First Time
The No. 15 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (2-0) host the Davidson Wildcats (0-2) for the first time at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Tucker Stadium.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
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28 | 17 | 21 | 6 | 72 |
Team Stats
Davidson
| Game Statistics | Davidson | Tennessee Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 132 | 276 |
| Rushing Yards | 74 | 300 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Poss. | 28:22 | 31:38 |
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 15 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (2-0) host the Davidson Wildcats (0-2) for the first time at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Tucker Stadium.
The Golden Eagles and Wildcats meet on the football field for the first time in series history. Davidson enters the weekend 0-2 after losses to Georgetown (L, 51-14) and Elon (L, 55-7). Davidson has the No. 94 total offense in the nation, averaging 243.5 yards per game, and the 101st scoring offense nationally, averaging 10.5 points per game.
Tech enters Saturday's contest as winners of its last seven consecutive games, marking the longest active winning streak in FCS. The Golden Eagles look to start a season 3-0 for the first time since 1977.
The Golden Eagles scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the game in each of the first two games played so far this season. Tech has also rushed for more than 200 yards as a team in both games.
This is the first all-time matchup between these two programs. Davidson plays in the Pioneer Football League and has been playing football since 1897.
UP NEXT: No. 15 Tennessee Tech football welcomes Davidson to Tucker Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. CT. The game can be watched on ESPN+ and listened to on 106.1 The Eagle.
PURCHASE TICKETS: 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.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
BY THE NUMBERS
- No. 1 – Tech has the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation among FCS teams (55.0 ppg)
- 3rd – The Golden Eagles offense has averaged 541.5 yards per game, which is 3rd in the FCS.
- 3rd – Tennessee Tech has the No. 3 scoring defense in FCS, allowing 8.5 points per game.
- T-4th – Tech averages 253.5 rushing yards per game, which is tied for 4th in the FCS.
- 5th – The Golden Eagles have the No. 5 total defense in the nation, allowing just 189.0 yards per game.
- 7 – The Golden Eagles hold the longest active winning streak in FCS (7 games)
- 65 – Tech dropped 65 points on Cumberland is the second-most points in a single game in modern program history (1st; 68 vs. UT Martin, Nov. 21, 2022).
- 1977 – Tech is attempting to open the season 3-0 for the first time since 1977.
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Tennessee Tech's OVC-Big South Players of the Week |
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Week |
Player |
Honor |
|
1 |
Special Teams Player of the Week |
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2 |
Co-Defensive Player of the Week |
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DOMINANT DEFENSE: The Golden Eagles' defense allowed 17 points in two games, all surrendered against Chattanooga in the 45-17 win (2-0). Recording a shutout (W, 65-0 over Cumberland - Week 1) for the first time since 2023 against Tennessee State (W, 35-0). Tech has the No. 2 rushing defense in the FCS, allowing 44.5 yards per game, the No. 3 scoring defense in the country, and the No. 5 total defense, allowing 8.5 points per game and 189.0 total yards per game. In the last game, Tech recorded 513 total yards of offense (221 rush, 292 pass) and held Chattanooga to 274 total yards (25 rush, 249 pass), notching another complete performance against an opponent knocking on the door of the FCS Top 25. The 25 rushing yards by Chattanooga were the fewest allowed since the Golden Eagles surrendered zero yards to Tennessee State in 2024.
FLY EAGLES FLY: Tech's offense is one of the prolific in the country, sitting at No. 3 in total offense, averaging 541.5 yards per game; tied for 4th in rushing offense, averaging 253.5 yards per game, and 9th in passing offense (288.0 ypg).
More national rankings following Week 2 can be found below.
OFFENSE/DEFENSE NATIONAL RANKINGS (FCS Thru Week 2)
No. 1 Scoring Offense (55.0)
No. 2 Rushing Defense (44.5)
No. 3 Total Offense (541.5)
No. 3 Scoring Defense (8.5)
No. 3 Total Offense (541.5)
T-4 Rushing Offense (253.5)
No. 5 Total Defense (189.0)
No. 9 Passing Defense (288.0)
CLIMBING UP THE RANKINGS: The Golden Eagles moved from No. 17 nationally in the Stats Perform Top 25 rankings to No. 15 heading into Saturday's game against Davidson. The highest ranking Tech has achieved in modern history was No. 3 in the 1977 AP College Division Poll and No. 11 in the 1994 TSN Poll.
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STATS PERFORM |
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TOP 25 RANKINGS |
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RANK |
SCHOOL |
RECORD |
PTS |
PREV. |
|
1 |
North Dakota State |
2-0 |
1393 |
1 |
|
2 |
South Dakota State |
2-0 |
1351 |
2 |
|
3 |
Tarleton State |
3-0 |
1260 |
5 |
|
4 |
Montana State |
0-2 |
1202 |
3 |
|
5 |
Montana |
1-0 |
1123 |
6 |
|
6 |
Rhode Island |
2-0 |
1050 |
9 |
|
7 |
Illinois State |
1-1 |
1049 |
7 |
|
8 |
Idaho |
1-1 |
937 |
10 |
|
9 |
UC Davis |
1-1 |
885 |
8 |
|
10 |
Lehigh |
2-0 |
836 |
11 |
|
11 |
Villanova |
1-0 |
743 |
13 |
|
12 |
South Dakota |
0-2 |
649 |
4 |
|
13 |
Abilene Christian |
1-1 |
648 |
16 |
|
14 |
UIW |
1-1 |
568 |
12 |
|
15 |
Tennessee Tech |
2-0 |
560 |
17 |
|
16 |
North Dakota |
1-1 |
535 |
20 |
|
17 |
Southern Illinois |
1-1 |
510 |
14 |
|
18 |
Northern Arizona |
1-1 |
409 |
19 |
|
19 |
Jackson State |
1-1 |
381 |
15 |
|
20 |
Monmouth |
2-0 |
373 |
21 |
|
22 |
Austin Peay |
1-1 |
233 |
NR |
|
23 |
New Hampshire |
2-0 |
132 |
NR |
|
24 |
Lamar |
1-1 |
121 |
NR |
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25 |
West Georgia |
2-0 |
110 |
NR |
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AFCA FCS Top 25 |
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Rank |
School (1st Vots) |
Rec |
PTS |
PREV. |
|
1 |
North Dakota State (24) |
2-0 |
648 |
1 |
|
2 |
South Dakota State (2) |
2-0 |
623 |
2 |
|
3 |
Tarleton State |
3-0 |
594 |
7 |
|
4 |
Illinois State |
1-1 |
516 |
7 |
|
5 |
Rhode Island |
2-0 |
509 |
8 |
|
6 |
Montana State |
0-2 |
494 |
T-3 |
|
7 |
Montana |
1-0 |
481 |
10 |
|
8 |
UIW |
1-1 |
422 |
9 |
|
9 |
UC Davis |
1-1 |
421 |
5 |
|
10 |
Idaho |
1-1 |
389 |
11 |
|
11 |
Villanova |
1-0 |
374 |
12 |
|
12 |
Lehigh |
2-0 |
354 |
13 |
|
13 |
Abilene Christian |
1-1 |
297 |
17 |
|
14 |
Southern Illinois |
1-1 |
266 |
15 |
|
15 |
Jackson State |
1-1 |
236 |
14 |
|
16 |
Tennessee Tech |
2-0 |
233 |
20 |
|
17 |
North Dakota |
1-1 |
230 |
22 |
|
18 |
Monmouth |
2-0 |
227 |
18 |
|
19 |
Northern Arizona |
1-1 |
184 |
19 |
|
20 |
South Dakota |
0-2 |
172 |
6 |
|
21 |
Sacramento State |
0-2 |
129 |
16 |
|
22 |
Mercer |
0-1 |
82 |
21 |
|
23 |
Austin Peay |
1-1 |
73 |
NR |
|
24 |
New Hampshire |
2-0 |
72 |
NR |
|
25 |
Youngstown State |
2-0 |
56 |
NR |
NEW EAGLES IN THE NEST: There are a lot of new faces on the Golden Eagle lineup as head coach Bobby Wilder has used the transfer portal to Tech's advantage, bringing in a lot of talent – not just on the field, but off with 32 total players on the roster with degrees – with experienced student-athletes. Behind center, quarterback Kekoa Visperas is an exciting addition to the lineup after a fantastic season at Eastern Washington last year, where he had the nation's best completion percentage at 74.3, throwing for 2,171 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also rushing for nine more scores. D.J. Linkins and Tremel Jones return for another tour of duty on the receivers core, but will be joined by Robert Morris transfer Noah Robinson, who was an All-OVC/Big South selection with the Colonials. Aidan Littles had a breakout season last year at running back and will be teamed with Murray State transfer Q'Daryius Jennings. On defense, the Golden Eagles were dealt a blow with the departures of defensive lineman Daniel Rickert and cornerback Caldra Williford following the spring workouts, but Tech has incredible depth on defense with Tim Coutras, Omari Philyaw, Toby Bolton and Leon Thomas anchoring the secondary, Aaron Swafford and Theron Gaines at linebacker, Jalin Shephard at nickel and a strong defensive front with Xavier Randolph, Jeremiah Sandiford, Kanstin Brooks, Maurice LaPierre, A.J. Crawford, Tyler Swann, Chima Iwuagwu and Idris King. On special teams, Jones, who the OVC-Big South recognized as a punt returner, kick returner, and all-purpose player, will be a big weapon for the Golden Eagles on returns, while Dom LeBlanc returns as kicker and Spencer Ashby on punts.
PICKED FIRST IN THE OVC-BIG SOUTH: The Tennessee Tech football team made some incredible strides last season under the direction of head coach Bobby Wilder as the Golden Eagles claimed their 11th Ohio Valley Conference championship among a four-way tie. This season, the Golden Eagles are looking for more, and the OVC-Big South coaches agree, knowing the potential is there as Tech was picked first in the combined conferences' preseason poll on Wednesday. The pick is a huge indicator of growth in just a year's time, but Wilder isn't content to rest on the preseason laurels. The first-place projection is also the first time since 1978 that the Golden Eagles find themselves atop the OVC preseason projection. Tech was projected second in 2001 and third in 1993 and 1994.
PRESEASON WATCH LISTS
Tim Coutras - Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, OVC/Big South Defensive Player of the Year,
Tremel Jones – OVC/Big South Kick returner/all-purpose player and punt returner.
OVC PRESEASON DEFENSIVE WATCH LIST
Hudson Tucker (DL)
Aaron Swafford (LB)
Tim Coutras (DB)
Spencer Ashby (P)
Tremel Jones (KR/PR)
OVC PRESEASON OFFENSIVE WATCH LIST
Kekoa Visperas (QB)
Aidan Littles (RB)
Noah Robinson (WR)
Brian Courtney (TE)
Drew Wilder (OL)
Tremel Jones (All-purpose)
Dom LeBlanc (PK)
GOLDEN EAGLE FOOTBALL HOME TIMES ADJUSTED TO NOON: Progress is being made on the new Tucker Stadium on the Tennessee Tech campus, continuing the spirit of growth and renewal at the University. However, as the construction project continues, the start times for all Tennessee Tech home football games have been adjusted to 12 PM Central starts, with the first six home contests now scheduled to begin at earlier times. The season finale against UT Martin will remain at its originally scheduled noon kickoff. The reasoning is simple – with the construction project continuing and lights being taken down around the facility for the duration of the build, this will allow fans ample time to cheer on the Golden Eagle football team and exit the facility before sunset, keeping them safe as they enter and exit the stadium. Tech was picked first last week in the Ohio Valley Conference/Big South Conference Projected Order of Finish after ending the 2024 campaign in a tie for first place for their 11th league championship in program history. The Golden Eagles open the season on August 30 against Cumberland for the first of seven home games this season at Tucker Stadium as Tech looks to win the OVC-Big South title outright.
SEVEN HOME GAMES HIGHLIGHT 2025 TECH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE: Tech Football hosts in-state foe Chattanooga on Sept. 6. Tech last played the Mocs in 2018 in Dewayne Alexander's debut as head coach. The last time the Mocs came to Cookeville was in the 2014 season. A first-time foe for the Golden Eagles will visit Tucker Stadium on Sept. 13 as Davidson, out of the Pioneer League, will take on Tech. Davidson went 6-5 last season, including a 4-4 mark in the Pioneer. Following the bye on Sept. 20, Tech will open Ohio Valley Conference-Big South Football Association play on Sept. 27 at Tennessee State. In October, Tech's slate includes a visit from Western Illinois (Oct. 4), two straight weeks on the road at Charleston Southern (Oct. 11) and Lindenwood (Oct. 18), then back home for a contest against Southeast Missouri (Oct. 25). November opens with the annual Homecoming game with Gardner-Webb (Nov. 1), then the final road swing of the season begins with a conference trip to Eastern Illinois before going to Lexington to take on Southeastern Conference foe Kentucky on Nov. 15. That game marks the first meeting with the Wildcats since the 1951 season. Tech closes out 2025's regular-season schedule at home as the Golden Eagles host UT Martin on Nov. 22. Game times and other special events will be announced at a later date.
STATE 16: The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles have 41 players on their roster from the great state of Tennessee. Clayton Harris (DL), Tayton Swift (DB), Timothy Jones (DB), Jay'un Smith (DB), Mason Goree (DB), Alex Delk (OL), Wes Delk (OL), Thomas Johnson (DB), Mason Taylor (DB), Branson Turnbow (WR), Aaron Swafford (LB), Kade Butler (QB), D.J. Curll (LB), Dom Reed (LB), Luke Meyer (DL), Torin Baker (RB), Tyler Nix (TE), Jameson Wharton (DB), Robbie Jacobs (WR), Seth Vaughn (DL), Keilan Harris (LB), Aja Jones (WR), Xavier Randolph (DL), Cameron Booker (WR), Theron Gaines (DL), Armaan Lehal (OL), Ethan McLaurin (DL), Eric Taylor (DB), Richard Bryant (DB), Derrick Burroughs (DB), D'Arious Reed (WR), Tim Coutras (DB), Zion Tamaska (RB), Coby Walton (QB), Xavier Hickman (DL), Nick Owns Jr. (WR), Aidan Littles (RB), Isaac Knowles (WR), Isaac Jackson (RB), C.J. Wyller (DL), Tucker Kyne (TE).
