COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Freshman running back
Ryder Hooks rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown, but Eastern Kentucky University fell to Tennessee Tech, 49-20, Saturday afternoon at Tucker Stadium.
The Colonels (2-5) were tied with the Golden Eagles (6-1) after the first quarter before Tennessee Tech scored 42 consecutive points to take control.
Hooks averaged 16.6 yards on 10 carries, including a 41-yard run, and added 50 yards on four kickoff returns to finish with 216 all-purpose yards. His 18-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was one of two rushing scores for EKU.
The Colonels totaled 301 yards of offense, including 267 rushing yards.
Brady Hensley added 50 yards on 11 carries, while quarterback
Jordyn Potts completed 5 of 12 passes for 34 yards with two interceptions.
Defensively,
Jeffrey Kinley returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown and finished with eight tackles.
Cam Jessee led EKU with 11 tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble.
Kaden Smith also recorded eight tackles.
Tennessee Tech finished with 453 yards of offense and held the ball for 35:18.
TTU took a 7-0 lead with 12:38 remaining when Jax Leatherwood connected with Tre' Holloway for a 36-yard touchdown, completing a four-play, 56-yard drive.
Kinley provided EKU's answer late in the quarter, intercepting Leatherwood and returning it 95 yards for a touchdown with 2:24 remaining.
Devin Orr's extra point tied the game at 7, where the score stood entering the second quarter.
The Golden Eagles moved ahead with three touchdowns in the second quarter. Qua Ashley capped a seven-play, 51-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run at the 9:23 mark. Jameson Wharton returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown 44 seconds later, extending Tennessee Tech's lead to 21-7.
The Golden Eagles added another score just before halftime when Leatherwood found Eric Weatherly for a 19-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining. The play finished a 13-play, 76-yard drive and sent EKU into the break trailing 28-7.
Tennessee Tech added two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter. MJ Flowers scored from 7 yards out with 11:52 remaining, finishing a three-play, 34-yard possession. Ashley followed with a 42-yard touchdown run at the 6:11 mark to push the Golden Eagles' lead to 42-7 entering the fourth quarter.
Leatherwood connected with Holloway for a 4-yard touchdown with 11:03 remaining to extend Tennessee Tech's lead to 49-7.
Eastern Kentucky responded with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped by Hooks' 18-yard scoring run with 7:44 left. Orr added the extra point to make it 49-14. The Colonels closed the game with an eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive.
Blake Kendall scored on a 1-yard run as time expired, bringing the final score to 49-20.
EKU returns to action next Saturday hosting West Florida on Homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
