Sports

McCoin has memorable game in season opener

                                                                                                                                            Photo by:Tony Marable

During the first week of college football, TTU’s own Brock McCoin ranked first in the nation for his 264 receiving yards against the University of Houston.

With TTU losing 52-24, it’s hard to imagine anything positive came from their road trip. However, McCoin made his way into the record books and was named Offensive Player of the Week by the OVC and Tennessee Sportswriters Association.

McCoin doesn’t take full credit for being ranked No. 1.

“I was very surprised but very humbled at the same time,” said McCoin. “It’s great to have that, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”

He recorded nine receptions for 264 yards and had two touchdowns. Only one other player in the nation broke into the 200s.

McCoin not only broke the record for most receiving yards ever against the University of Houston, but he had the most receiving yards against an FBS team in OVC history as well. His 264 yards ranks fourth in OVC single-game history; he also had the most receiving yards by a NCAA player during the first week of the season.

“Brock had one of the top performances in the history of the OVC against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. I think that shows what type of talent there is not only at Tennessee Tech but throughout the Ohio Valley Conference,” said Kyle Schwartz, the OVC assistant commissioner for media relations. “That fact is not news to fans of the OVC, but when you accomplish it against a FBS opponent, it opens the eyes of those who do not regularly follow the OVC and its teams.”

Although McCoin has found great success as a wide receiver, he has also had past experience as a quarterback.

“I look at the defense a little different now because I know what the quarterback, I know what Jared, is looking at, so me and him are on the same page, and that helps a lot having a quarterback’s mentality as well as a wide receiver’s,” said McCoin.

McCoin is already halfway to his 2014 season total of 517 receiving yards and has tied his two touchdowns. He is well on his way to having a breakout season.

“Brock McCoin is an exciting player with a personality that brings a lot of energy to his team. He has a knack for big plays in pressure situations,” said Assistant Head Coach Dewayne Alexander. “Also, the fact that he is from the Upper Cumberland area makes it exciting for all of area fans.”

The Golden Eagles will be back in action 6 p.m. Sept.19 for the first home game of the season against Mercer.