Posted by Michael Heitman
on October 26, 2002

Tennessee Tech saw its potent offense stymied and its defense wear down against 19th ranked Eastern Kentucky in a 19-0 loss at Tucker Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Colonels ran 75 offensive plays with 57 of those on the ground as they totaled 235 yards rushing. The Golden Eagles racked up -17 yards rushing thanks to 8 quarterback sacks on the day as the Golden Eagles were shutout at home for the first time since UT-Chattanooga beat Tech 41-0 in 1988.

Eastern Kentucky (6-3) took a botched opening kickoff by the Golden Eagles and tallied a 30-yard field goal just over four minutes into the ball game. Then the defenses took over the half. Tech moved the ball effectively until they got into the Colonels’ end of the field. The Golden Eagles used an effective punting game to have good field position and most of the half as the game pretty stayed on the Colonels’ half of the field. TTU couldn’t capitalize. Tech did have a scoring chance late into the second quarter. Tech started on the Colonels’ 39 and a pass interference penalty moved the ball to the 24. Four plays later TTU kicker Nick Hodges was wide right on a 35-yard field goal attempt.

Tech finished the half with 104 yards of total offense, 104 through the air and only 2 net yards thanks to four sacks by Eastern Kentucky. However, the Golden Eagle defense shutdown the potent rushing attack of EKU, holding the Colonels to 85 total yards with only 34 of those coming on the ground.

The second half saw the game continue to be a defensive battle as the teams traded opening punts. Tennessee Tech (2-6) got the ball on their own 4 after a personal foul on the punt return. Three plays later, TTU quarterback Robert Craft dropped back to pass in his own endzone and threw the ball away prior to being sacked and was called for intentional grounding. The rule on intentional grounding in the endzone results in a safety for the defensive team. The two points pushed EKU’s lead to 5-0 with 10:10 remaining in the third.

The Golden Eagles then kicked the ball to the Colonels from the TTU 20, but EKU’s Jason Gray missed the ball and it rolled to the EKU 2 where he returned it to the the EKU 12. Then the machine known as the EKU rushing game started to show signs of wearing down Tennessee Tech. The Colonels marched 88 yards down the field in 14 plays, 10 of which were runs by C..J. Hudson, which ended in Hudson jumping through the middle of the pile and into the endzone. The PAT was good and Eastern extended their lead to 12.

The Golden Eagles then reached into the play book to try and shake things up. Craft lateralled to backup quarterback Lewis Kuffour who then threw back across the field to Craft for a nine-yard gain. A few plays later saw the Golden Eagles facing a 3rd and 21 from the EKU 45. Craft connected with Anton Thomison over the middle for 25 yards where the receiver was hit hard by Tim Roberts. Thomison left the field bleeding, but it seemed like momentum had moved to the Tennessee Tech sideline. However, the next play saw Craft throw an ill-advised pass into the arms of EKU defender Tim Roberts in the endzone. The Golden Eagles never recovered.

Eastern then continued to run all over the Golden Eagle defense. The Colonels moved 80 yards with ease, and back up running back Trey Ennis finished the scoring on the afternoon with a four-yard touchdown run. The extra point made the score 19-0 with 11:25 remaining in the contest. Tech couldn't get anything going to eliminate the shutout which was broadcast on WSMV Channel 4 in Nashville.

One of the few bright spots for the Golden Eagles was the foot of punter Chris Cummings. The freshman from Brentwood continually used his seven punts, including a 52 yarder, to keep the Colonels deep in their territory. Kick retruns were good as Donell Horton returned 4 kickoffs for 105 yards.

The defense was led by All-American D.J. Bleisath who totaled 12 tackles, including 2 for losses. Linebacker Daniel Wentzel had 11 tackles with 2 for losses and a sack.

The Golden Eagle offense had a rough day as Craft finished the day 12 of 22 for 151 yards and an interception. Running back Jason Ballard led all rushers with 30 yards on 12 carries. Anton Thomison was the leading receiver for Tech pulling in 3 catches for 71 yards.

Golden Eagle head coach Mike Hennigan summed up Tech's performance against EKU saying, "Eastern Kentucky ran the ball well and they didn't surprise us by throwing the ball. The problem was we did not tackle well."

Tennessee Tech can only play spoiler from now on and must win their final four games to avoid their first losing season since 1998. The Golden Eagles travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to take on Southeast Missouri team who upset Middle Tennessee earlier this season.