Cumberland Suffers Season Opening Loss against Stout Tennessee Tech

Box Score COOKEVILLE, Tenn.--Tennessee Tech controlled all phases of the game Saturday, rolling past Cumberland 65-0 at Tucker Stadium.

The Golden Eagles piled up 570 yards of total offense, balancing 286 yards on the ground with 284 through the air. Tech averaged nearly 10 yards per play and scored on five of six trips inside the red zone.

Cumberland was limited to just 94 total yards, managing 40 passing and 54 rushing while converting only one of 14 third-down attempts. The Phoenix recorded nine first downs and held the ball for just under 30 minutes, but could not find the scoreboard.

Tech's defense forced one turnover and notched nine tackles for loss, while Cumberland's defense came up with a sack and an interception that led to its lone scoring opportunity.

Quarterback Kekoa Visperas set the tone through the air, completing 17-of-26 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Backup Jace Wilson added a perfect 2-for-2 outing for 34 yards to cap a 284-yard passing performance with no interceptions.

The Golden Eagles spread the ball around to 11 different receivers, led by Noah Robinson with 58 yards, while Tre' Holloway and Torin Baker hauled in touchdown grabs. Aidan Littles also added a scoring catch from 11 yards out.

On the ground, Tech pounded out 286 rushing yards on 31 carries, averaging over nine yards per attempt. Maurice Sims led the way with 92 yards and a 78-yard touchdown burst, while Q'Daryius Jennings chipped in 80 yards and two scores. Quincy Quinn and quarterback Wilson also found the end zone to round out five rushing touchdowns.

Tennessee Tech opened up the scoring early and often. After holding CU on the opening drive, quarterback Visperas went to work. He connects on four passes including a 25-yard touchdown pass Torin Baker for a 7-0 lead.

Cumberland's second drive saw the Golden Eagles push the drive three different times with penalties. However, CU's drive stalled out on fourth down in plus territory. The Golden Eagles took just six plays to get back in the endzone capped by a four-yard rush from Quintero Quinn for a 14-0 lead.

Tennessee Tech would score one more time in the first as Visperas threw an 11-yard strike to Aiden Littles.

The Golden Eagles tacked on 24 points in the second quarter. A 19-yard touchdown rush from Q'Darryius Jennings, a three-yard touchdown pass from Visperas to Tre' Holloway, then Holloway followed with a 53-yard touchdown on a punt return, and capped off with a 42-yard field goal at the end of the half for a 45-0 lead.

The offense slowed down for Tech in the second half. The Golden Eagles scored on touchdown in the third quarter and added two scores in the fourth to get the 65-0 final.

The Phoenix return home next Saturday against NAIA competition set to take on receiving votes Reinhardt.

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