Tech football falls to 2-3 (2-0) on the season with a 22-20 loss to South Carolina State on Saturday, Oct. 5.
This was a non-conference game for Tech, so it did not affect their 2-0 record in OVC play, but it was still a tough loss in a close game.
The story of the game was the crazy ending as freshman placekicker Dom LeBlanc (46) missed what would have been the game-winning field goal for the Golden Eagles on the very last play of the game.
LeBlanc has been solid in the kicking duties up to this point and successfully kicked a couple of field goals earlier in the game. However, unfortunately, when the game was on the line, the ball sailed just left as time expired and Tech had their two-game win streak ended.
Another key to the game was turnovers as both teams had three each. For Tech, the Golden Eagles threw two interceptions and had one fumble on the very first drive of the game.
It was the same story for the Bulldogs as quarterback Erick Phoenix was picked off twice by sophomore defensive back Caldra Williford (13) and senior defensive lineman Kanstin Brooks (97) in one of the most bizarre plays of the afternoon.
Phoenix fired a pass to the left sideline and Brooks jumped in the air from the defensive end position and somehow was able to corral it.
The Bulldogs’ fumble was forced by senior defensive back Tim Coutras (20) and recovered by sophomore defensive lineman Myles Parker (99). This was a crucial play that happened late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Golden Eagles to set up for what would have been the game-winning field goal.
In terms of offense, both teams were able to throw the ball with success as SC State threw for 412 yards and Tech threw for 296 yards.
Senior wide receiver Jay Parker (4) led the team in receiving yards with three catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Jordyn Potts (5) fired a pass across the middle, and Parker was able to control it and take it the distance for a 79-yard touchdown, Tech’s first of the game.
Rushing yards for Tech were much harder to come by in this game than last week. Against Gardner-Webb, the Golden Eagles accumulated 340 yards on the ground, but were held to 95 yards rushing against the Bulldogs with senior running back Jalen Mitchell (0) leading the way with 36 yards off of 12 carries.
Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles remain undefeated in conference play at 2-0 for the first time since 2011.
Tech will re-open conference play this Saturday as they travel to Southeast Missouri State to take on the Redhawks. SEMO, sitting at 5-1 and 2-0 in the conference, is at the top of the Big South-OVC standings with the best overall record in the conference.
