More TTU Players

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

The TTU defense gave up 25.5 points per game this season against OVC competition, good enough for 3^rd in the conference. And they led the league by holding defenses to just 351 yards per game. Their most impressive defensive effort came in a 21-14 win over Jacksonville State who averages 32 ppg. When you compare their pressure numbers to UCA’s, it’s not even close. UCA has 26 sacks, 80 tfl and 11 ints. TTU has just 15 sacks, 52 tfl and 11 ints.

Four Golden Eagles were on the 1^st and 2^nd All-OVC teams announced on Tuesday and another, Austin Tallant (FS, #14, 5-10/190) was named to the All-Newcomer team. Tallant, a true freshman, leads the team with 76 tackles. With him in secondary is senior cornerback Richmond Tooley (#21, 5-11/185). Tooley is tied for second in tackles was selected 1^st team All-OVC. He’s got two picks on the year, but who doesn’t? Cornerback Caleb Mitchell (#15, 6-1/190) and linebacker Jake McIntosh (#31, 6-2/230) also have two each. And senior nickelback Corey Watson (#12, 5-10/180) leads the team with three and also has seven pass breakups. The team has 11 total interceptions and has returned three for touchdowns. Will Johnson was a second-team OVC selection even though he only played eight games this season. He injured his knee against Murray State and will not play Saturday.

McIntosh has 67 tackles and four tackles for loss to go with his two interceptions. Joining him on the linebacker corp is Howard Griffin (#33, 6-1/220). Griffin is tied for second in both tackles (72) and tackles for loss (6.5).

The other two All-OVC defenders are up front. Marcus Edwards (#13, 6-1/240) has 5 sacks and 9.5 tfl, good enough for first-team honors. Travis Adkins (#83, 6-5/275) was named to the second team with 23 tackles, one sack and 3.5 tfl.

Other players:

• Nick Campbell (P, #93, 6-2/225) second-team All-OVC; led conference with 37.6 net per punt
• Dwight Evans (DE, #49, 6-1/230) 52 tackles, 1 sack, 5 tfl
• Jamere Hogue (DE/LB, #5, 6-4/270) senior who’s second on the team with two sacks