Steve Irvine’s Five Storylines For The Samford vs. Tennessee Tech
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - November 8, 2024
TENNESSEE TECH VS. SAMFORD
Site, kickoff time: Pete Hanna Stadium, 2 p.m. CT
Record: Tennessee Tech 4-5 overall, 4-2 Big South-OVC; Samford 3-5 overall, 2-3 SoCon
Five storylines
1. Can Samford put the ball in the end zone on a regular basis? Moving the football hasn’t been a problem for Chris Hatcher’s offense. However, moving the ball without scoring points is not a good recipe for an offense. Over the past nine quarters, beginning with the second half of the upset win over nationally ranked Mercer, the Samford offense has produced just two touchdowns and set up three successful field goal attempts. That’s not typical Samford football.
2. Can Quincy Crittendon and the Samford offense have a big day passing? Crittendon is capable of making big things happen in the passing game. If you need proof, turn on the tape of the season opener against West Georgia or the first half of the win over Mercer. Running against Tennessee Tech has been difficult. The Golden Eagles are fifth in the country in rush defense, allowing 94 yards per game on the ground. They are 120th in the country in passing yards allowed per game (270). Crittendon averages 247 yards per game passing with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
3. Will the defense lead Samford to a victory? Numbers don’t always tell the story. Samford is 58th in the country in total defense after allowing 359 yards per game over the first eight games. That’s not a bad number but it’s close to middle of the pack of the 123 FCS teams. But, for the most part this season, the Samford defense has put the Bulldogs in position to win, whether it be will shutdown play or timely big plays.
4. Can Samford afford the hidden yards on kickoffs? Tennessee Tech kickoff returner Tremel Jones averages 28.2 yards per return on his 16 opportunities this season. That average is sixth best in the country. He doesn’t have a kickoff return for a touchdown but he does have a 53-yard return. More importantly, he is capable of giving the offense positive starting position. Samford has been solid in kickoff coverage this season, ranking 47th in FCS after allowing 19.29 yards per return. Kickoff specialist Wilson Beaverstock has 11 touchbacks in 35 kickoffs thus far.
5. Which team has the advantage if it comes down to field goals? On paper, Tennessee Tech has the advantage. Freshman kicker Dom Leblanc is 9 of 12 with a long of 43 yards. Senior Hayden Olsen is 2 of 3 with a long of 46 yards. For Samford, Wilson Beaverstock is 3 of 5 with a long of 41 yards and Forrest Taylor is 2 of 6 with a long of 31 yards.