Senior quarterback Lee Sweeney has his sights set on yet another Tennessee Tech football record as the Golden Eagles take on the University of Tennessee at Martin on Saturday. Last week in the win against Austin Peay, Sweeney etched his name atop the all-time records for total offense (5,781) and for passing touchdowns (41). He needs just four yards to move ahead of Robert Craft (2001-2004) for the all-time passing record of 6,032 yards.
“I’m not worried about that,” Sweeney said. “If it’s supposed to happen, it’ll happen.”
Tech (2-2, 1-1 OVC) comes into the game leading the Ohio Valley Conference in passing defenses, allowing just 151 yards per game.
That number, however, is in jeopardy as the Golden Eagles look to shut down quarterback Cade Thompson, who ranks second in the conference this season in passing yards.
UT-Martin (2-3, 1-1 OVC) has lost two of their last three games, scoring just 50 points to its opponents 115 over that span.
The pair of wins for the Skyhawks came over Idaho Wesleyan and Southeast Missouri.
The Skyhawks have allowed the second most rushing yards in the conference this year (830), which benefits the rushing corps of the Golden Eagles.
“A good running game establishes a good passing game,” said Sweeney.
The Tech signal-caller hopes the running prowess of sophomores Tremaine Hudson and Henry Sailes can provide him some passing lanes on Saturday. Hudson is also nearing a personal milestone, needing 13 yards to hit the 1,000-yard mark.
The 2 p.m. kickoff at Hardy M. Graham Stadium in Martin, Tenn. will serve as the homecoming game for the Skyhawks. The Golden Eagles have never defeated UT-Martin on their homecoming and the Skyhawks hold a 30-27 overall record in homecoming games.
Fans can listen to the game on Magic 98.5 or on free Teamline with the broadcast starting at 1:30.
