No. 6 Tennessee Tech Hosts No. 19 North Dakota in First Round of FCS Playoffs
No. 6 Tennessee Tech Football hosts and FCS First-Round Playoff game for the second time in program history, and first time against No. 19 North Dakota on Saturday at 12 p.m. inside Tucker Stadium. Watch the game live on ESPN+ and list on 106.1 The Eagle.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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3 | 7 | 0 | 21 | 31 |
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0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
Team Stats
North Dakota
| Game Statistics | North Dakota | Tennessee Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 146 | 278 |
| Rushing Yards | 200 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 6 |
| Time of Poss. | 34:56 | 25:04 |
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – No. 6 Tennessee Tech Football hosts No. 19 North Dakota in the first round of the FCS Playoffs on Saturday at 12 p.m. inside Tucker Stadium. It marks the second time that Tech has hosted a playoff game and the first matchup with North Dakota. Watch the game live on ESPN+ and listen on 106.1 The Eagle.
The Golden Eagles (11-1, 8-0) capped a historic season with a 20-17 win over UT Martin, clinching an outright OVC-Big South Championship (1st since 1975) and an FCS Playoff berth for the first time since 2011. This is the first meeting between Tech and UND in series history. North Dakota returns to the postseason after missing the field last season. Most recently, UND qualified for the postseason in 2023 and fell, 42-35, at the Alerus Center to Sacramento State in the opening round.
Recently, the Golden Eagles were featured on Game On, which aired on ESPN2 on Thanksgiving.
The Golden Eagles' previous playoff appearance was in 2011 vs. Central Arkansas (lost in the First Round, 34-14). TTU has won its last 16 games against non-FBS opponents, dating back to last year. The Golden Eagles rallied from a 10-0 deficit to tie the contest and came back from down 17-10 to win 20-17 over UT Martin in the season-finale to complete the perfect 8-0 conference season. Dom LeBlanc's 35-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining was the difference.
Tech has scored in 36 of 48 quarters, with the following by-quarter scoring breakdown: 118-48 (1st); 147-71 (2nd); 108-37 (3rd); 109-49 (4th), Tennessee Tech is fifth in FCS in scoring offense (40.2 points per game) and second in rushing defense (76.1 yards allowed).
Since the 2023 season, Tennessee Tech is 8-3 in November regular-season games. Included in this timeframe is one loss to UT Martin, as well as a defeat at FBS Kentucky. The Golden Eagles' Association-record 15-game win streak was snapped in Week 12 at Kentucky.
TTU established the Association record with 12-straight conference wins, which began last season on Oct. 26, 2024. The old record was five.
Game Information
Matchup: No. 6 Tennessee Tech vs. No. 19 North Dakota
Venue: Tucker Stadium – Cookeville, Tenn.
Time: 12 p.m. CT
Video: ESPN+ | Kelsie Kasper (PxP) and Doc Holliday (Analyst)
Radio: 1061. The Eagle | Noah McKay (PxP), Justin Matheney (Analyst), and Jacob Vinson (Sideline)
Live Stats
By The Numbers
- 1st – 8-0 in conference play for the first time in school history.
- 1st – 11 wins for the first time in program history.
- 2nd – Hosting an FCS Playoff game for the second time in program history (prev: 2011 vs. Central Ark.).
- 2nd – No. 2 rushing defense in the nation, allowing 76.1 yards per game.
- 5th – No. 5 scoring offense in the nation (40.2 pts per game).
- 7th – No. 7 total defense, allowing 292.6 yards per game.
- 11th – No. 11 scoring defense, surrendering 17.7 points per game.
- 16th – No. 16 rushing offense, gaining 201.2 yards on the ground per game.
- 21st – No. 21 total offense, gaining 426.6 yards per contest.
LAST GAME
Tennessee Tech found itself down 10-0 but mounted a comeback, scoring 10 points in the final three minutes and, with a late field goal by Dom LeBlanc, secured its first outright OVC-Big South Title since 1975 with a 20-17 win over UT Martin. The Golden Eagles (11-1, 8-0) became the first team in program history to win 11 games and go undefeated in Conference. Tech is the first team since Jacksonville State (2014-17) to finish unbeaten in OVC-Big South Association play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UT Martin (6-6, 6-2 OVC-Big South) grabbed an early 10-0 lead through almost two quarters, when Tech responded with a 28-yard field goal by Dom LeBlanc to make it a seven-point deficit heading into the half, 10-3. LeBlanc would later make the biggest kick of the season. The Skyhawks limited the Golden Eagles' offense until late in the third when Q'Daryius Jennings would streak down the sideline for a touchdown, catching a perfect pass by Kekoa Visperas for a 23-yard score. That TD tied the game 10-10 and swung the momentum in favor of the home team. UT Martin responded with a nine-play 40-yard drive and a one-yard touchdown run by Jase Bauer to regain the lead, 17-10. The defense helped turn the momentum with a big sack by Aaron Swafford to get the ball back in the Golden Eagles' possession. Tech took a page out of UT Martin's playbook, which leads the nation in time of possession, driving 12 plays, 75 yards over 4:49, capping the drive with an outstanding eight-yard touchdown reception by Brian Courtney to tie the game 17-17. Another big stop late gave the ball back to the Golden Eagles, and they moved down the field over eight plays and 63 yards to set LeBlanc up for a 35-yard field goal to take the lead. LeBlanc split the uprights with 11 seconds left and put Tech in front for the first time in the game, proving to be the winning score, 20-17. Tennessee Tech moved to 11-1 on the season and finished conference play with a perfect 8-0 record, a pair of accomplishments that had never happened before. Visperas led the team with poise and confidence, completing 31-of-45 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Jennings finished with 77 yards on nine carries, averaging 8.6 yards per carry with a long rush of 58 yards that happened on the first offensive play of the game. Courtney led the team in receiving with six receptions for 89 yards (14.9 avg) and one pivotal touchdown grab. Tre' Holloway finished with eight receptions for 52 yards, and Jennings made four receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown. LeBlanc finished 2-for-2 on field goals with a long of 35 yards, the game winner, and 2-for-2 in extra points for eight points. Swafford finished with 12 tackles (7 solo, 5 assists), one sack, and two tackles for loss (-12 yards) to lead the defense that limited a physical UT Martin offense to 17 points. Tim Coutras was second on the team with nine tackles (5 solo, 4 assists), 0.5 tackles for loss (-1 yard), and Kaleb Purdy was third on the team with eight tackles, including two tackles for loss (-5 yards). The Golden Eagles finished with 346 total yards, while the Skyhawks had 252 total yards. TTU logged 270 yards passing and 76 yards rushing while UTM threw for 155 yards and rushed for 97.
POSTSEASON HONORS
Tennessee Tech grabs a multitude of honors in the OVC-Big South, highlighted by Offensive Player of the Year Kekoa Visperas and Coach of the Year Bobby Wilder, as announced today by the Association. The Golden Eagles took home 21 honors during the unveiling of this year's OVC-Big South Association Awards. Quarterback Kekoa Visperas earned Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league in passing touchdowns with 25 (program record) and was second in the conference with 2,486 passing yards and completion percentage (65.6). The final year in the OVC-Big South was the most successful for the Golden Eagles. Head Coach Bobby Wilder turned a program that won four games two seasons ago and seven games last season, including a share of a Conference Title, into an 11-game winner this year to clinch back-to-back OVC-Big South Titles and the first outright OVC-Big South Championship since 1975. Wilder rejuvenated a roster and changed the mentality of the program in just two seasons. The Golden Eagles set program records in points scored (482), touchdowns (65), rushing touchdowns (32), total offense (5,119 yards), second in sacks (45), and fewest total rushing yards allowed (913). The Golden Eagles scored the most points in a single game in modern program history (72 vs. Davidson) and finished 8-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. Also, started the season 10-0 for the first time in program history, while recording the longest winning streak (15 games) in Tennessee Tech football history.
Earning All-OVC Big-South First Team alongside Visperas are Brian Courtney (TE), Logan Weedman (OL), Drew Wilder (OL), Theron Gaines (LB), Aaron Swafford (LB), Tim Coutras (DB), Andrew Smith (DB), and on punt return Tre' Holloway. Holloway led the conference in punt return yards (278).
Grabbing All-OVC Big-South Second Team are Quintell Quinn (RB), Q'Daryius Jennings (QB), Tre' Holloway (WR), Christian Thomas (OL), Maurice LaPierre (DL), Chima Iwuagwu (DL), Gavin Bryson (DB), and All-Purpose Tre' Holloway.
Honorable Mention honorees include Maury Sullivan (WR) and Noah Robinson (WR).
WALTER PAYTON AWARD FINALIST
Tennessee Tech quarterback Kekoa Visperas is among the Finalists for the Walter Payton Award, which honors the nation's best offensive player, as announced by Stats Perform. Visperas set a new single-season touchdown passing record (25), which led the OVC-Big South Association, and was second in the conference with 2,486 passing yards and completion percentage (65.6). He posted the second-most total yards gained in program history (2970) and was responsible for the second-most touchdowns in program history (28). Visperas led an offense that was the best in the nation, including setting program records in points scored (482), touchdowns scored (65), rushing touchdowns in a season (32), first downs (262), passing touchdowns (27 total), and third in passing yards (2705) in a single season. The redshirt junior from Eatonville, Washington, was second in the conference in passing efficiency (152.7) and threw for 250 yards or more four times, including the Conference Championship clinching victory over UT Martin (270, 3 TD). He delivered a season-high four touchdown passes against Western Illinois on a season-high 358 yards passing with no interceptions to take home conference Offensive Player of the Week. The four touchdown passes tied for the second-most in a single game in program history. His 207.2 passing yards per game are the most in a career for a quarterback at Tech (min, 10 games). Visperas made 323 pass attempts, which are the sixth-most in program history. He completed 212 of those attempts, marking the second-most completions in a single season in Tech football history. Stats Perform announced a standout list of 30 finalists for the 2025 Walter Payton Award, which is presented to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. The award, in its 39th season and affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp, Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance. All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Head Coach Bobby Wilder earned AFCA Region 2 Coach of the Year after he led the Golden Eagles to an 11-1 record, including 8-0 in OVC-Big South play. Head Coach Bobby Wilder turned a program that won four games two seasons ago, seven games last season, to a program-record 11-game winner this year to clinch the first outright OVC-Big South Title since 1975. Wilder rejuvenated a roster and changed the mentality of the program in just two seasons. The Golden Eagles set program records in points scored (482), touchdowns (65), rushing touchdowns (32), total offense (5,119 yards), second in sacks (45), and fewest total rushing yards allowed (913). The Golden Eagles scored the most points in a single game in modern program history (72 vs. Davidson) and finished 8-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. Also, started the season 10-0 and posted the longest winning streak (15 games) in Tennessee Tech football history. American Football Coaches Association's 2025 Regional Coach of the Year winners for FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. These winners will be honored on Monday, January 12, during the 2026 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association's five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.
Coach Wilder was also named one of 15 finalists for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.
2025 AFCA Regional FCS Coach of the Year Winners
Region 1: Kevin Cahill, Lehigh
Region 2: Bobby Wilder, Tennessee Tech
Region 3: Joel Taylor, West Georgia
Region 4: Steve Englehart, Presbyterian
Region 5: Bobby Hauck, Montana
SIGNS AN EXTENSION
As announced on Wednesday, Head Coach Bobby Wilder and Tennessee Tech have agreed on a new five-year contract on the eve of hosting a first-round Playoff Game. Coach Wilder led his 11-1 team to the Ohio Valley Conference-Big South regular-season title, earning the right to host an FCS playoff game and drawing national attention as a championship contender. Wilder is now under contract through 2030.
QUOTABLES
Director of Athletics Casey Fox - "Under Coach Wilder, our team has created a momentum that has energized our university and our community. It is an exciting time to be a Golden Eagle."
Coach Wilder - "I am grateful for the commitment from President Oldham and Athletic Director Fox. We won back-to-back OVC Championships with a 14-2 record in conference and an 18-6 overall record in our first two years. Our program goal is to continue to 'aim high' in everything we do as people, students, and athletes.
Coach Wilder continued. "We have a collective vision to build a consistent winning program that competes for Southern Conference Championships and National Championships. Every person associated with our team is focused on the process of winning."
Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham - "Last year, Coach Wilder ushered in a new era of Tech football. This year, he turned potential into an exciting reality. His team won with determination, tenacity, and toughness.
President Oldham continued. "We know that a successful football program is a university's front porch for engaging students, fans, and the community. Coach Wilder has made our front porch a fun and winning place to be."
BUCK BUCHANAN FINALIST
Tennessee Tech senior linebacker Theron Gaines was named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the nation's best defensive player, as announced by Stats Perform. Gaines was named Second-Team All-Conference following the 2024 season, and as a defensive lineman and moved to linebacker before the 2025 season. He went on to lead the Golden Eagles this season with 86 total tackles, finishing eighth in the conference. He made 6.5 sacks, leading all OVC-Big South linebackers in that category. He earned All-OVC-Big South First Team following the 2025 season. Gaines took home OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the week twice during the season, both after performances that included a fumble and an interception return for a touchdown. Stats Perform has announced a standout list of 30 finalists for the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. The award, in its 31st season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State during his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, and Jared Allen. Central Arkansas's David Walker was last season's winner. Montana State's Tommy Mellott was last season's winner. All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.
OVC-BIG SOUTH PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Tennessee Tech quarterback Kekoa Visperas was named Offensive Player of the Week, and Dom LeBlanc earned Specialist of the Week, as announced by the OVC-Big South Association. The Golden Eagles won the OVC-Big South Championship with a 20-17 victory over UT Martin behind the efforts of Visperas and LeBlanc Saturday. Visperas completed 31-of-45 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns, leading Tech to a double-digit comeback effort after trailing 10-0 through most of the first half. It is the third Offensive Player of the Week honor for Visperas and the first Specialist of the Week honor for LeBlanc. Visperas made a pair of huge touchdown throws to Brian Courtney and Q'Daryius Jennings and drove the offense into field goal range for LeBlanc to kick the game-winner. The redshirt senior quarterback from Eatonville, Washington, set a new single-season touchdown passing record with 25 touchdown throws this season. Visperas also led the top-scoring offense in program history with 482 points and 59 touchdowns this season. LeBlanc made both of his field goal attempts, including the game-winning kick with 11 seconds left in the game, to give the Golden Eagles a three-point win over UT Martin and the outright OVC-Big South Title for the first time since 1975. The sophomore kicker from Dawsonville, Georgia, finished with eight points after making 2-of-2 on field goals and 2-of-2 on PATs, and sending three-of-five field goals into the end zone. His efforts kicking the ball helped the Golden Eagles earn their first FCS Playoff berth since 2011, and second in program history.
Tennessee Tech OVC-Big South Players of the Week
|
Game |
Player |
Honor |
Date & Opponent |
|
1 |
Special Teams Player of the Week |
8/30 vs. Cumberland |
|
|
2 |
Defensive Player of the Week |
9/6 vs. Chattanooga |
|
|
3 |
Offensive Player of the Week |
9/13 vs. Davidson |
|
|
6 |
Offensive Player of the Week |
10/4 vs. Western Illinois |
|
|
10 |
Co-Defensive Player of the Week |
11/1 vs. Gardner-Webb |
|
|
11 |
Defensive Player of the Week |
11/8 at Eastern Illinois |
|
|
12 |
Offensive Player of the Week |
11/22 vs. UT Martin |
|
|
12 |
Special Teams Player of the Week |
11/22 vs. UT Martin |
