The Other Side: A Q&A with a Tennessee Tech (student) beat writer

Tennessee Tech will be in town today, which has more of a feel of Payday Eve than a big game for the Golden Eagles.

But Tech, with Coach Watson Brown, could prove to be a test at times for Arkansas’ defense. The multiple looks, perhaps some wishbone and play-action out of the shotgun formation, could give Arkansas fits. And we all know about the Razorbacks’ penchant for giving up plays over the last two seasons, even against the underdogs.

To learn more about the Golden Eagles, who hail from Cookeville, Tenn., we went to campus for a source. That man is Brandon Goodwin (great name), the sports editor of The Oracle. Below, we get his take from the Other Side.

We’ve heard Tennessee Tech may play more than one quarterback and that the battle there has been close this preseason between all four guys. How will Coach Watson Brown attack the Razorbacks’ defense with these quarterbacks? Does he settle on one guy or does he try to keep Arkansas off balance?

Goodwin: Coach Brown has already named sophomore Tre Lamb the starter for the season opener against Arkansas, but look for senior Cass Barnes to also get in some playing time. Using this approach, Brown hopes to give both quarterbacks valuable experience heading into Ohio Valley Conference play.

Has there been any talk of upsetting the Razorbacks or has Tennessee Tech resigned itself to the fact that this is nothing more than a “payday” game?

Goodwin: Having faced at least one FBS team each of the past 14 seasons, Tech knows and accepts its role as the underdog. As recent history has shown, however, you can never completely rule out an upset (See: Appalachian State, New Hampshire, Montana State, etc). The University sees this game not only as an opportunity to support the athletic department financially, but also as a way to promote Tennessee Tech as one of the best colleges in the Southeast through the exposure it will receive.

Depth on defense doesn’t seem to be a problem for Tennessee Tech. The Eagles go two-deep at nearly every spot. Can the defense keep them in the game?

Goodwin: I’m sure Missouri State, Troy and Eastern Michigan had depth last season as well, yet Arkansas was still able to rack up 167 points in those three games. Tech does return a handful of defensive standouts, any of which can make a game-changing play at any point in the game. A lot of defenses will be severely tested by the Razorbacks this season.

How are the players handling the expectations of the game? What’s the mood?

Goodwin: Watson Brown has instilled a consistency in his players to approach every game in the same manner. The Golden Eagles return 55 players from last year’s team that played at Georgia and Kansas State, so the big stage is nothing new to them. The players love getting an opportunity to pit themselves against some of the best in the country. Facing an Auburn or a Georgia or an Arkansas, in front of huge crowds gives them memories they’ll always remember.

Give us a score prediction and how you see the game unfolding this Saturday.

Goodwin: My score prediction is 48-13 in favor of the Razorbacks. Tech is going to have to break out a few big plays and get good field position from its special teams unit in order to set up scoring opportunities.

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Thanks for the info, Brandon.

Brown is obviously trying to build a good team there in the Ohio Valley Conference, but I believe the machines will rise and take over the world before Tennessee Tech is capable of upsetting the Razorbacks.

Exciting.

I’ll post my score prediction and an open forum for everyone to post their thoughts and scores here in the Slophouse later today, so start thinking things over. Remember, no robots allowed.

See you in a bit.

Make sure to check out WholeHogSports.com and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more coverage. You can also follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates with @bmarcello and @wholehogsports.

— Brandon Marcello