Photo by APSU Athletics
Austin Peay State University’s football team returns to action after its bye week when it hosts Tennessee Tech for Homecoming, 4 p.m., Saturday, at Fortera Stadium.
The Governors (3-4, 1-3 OVC) enter the game against the Golden Eagles (0-7, 0-4 OVC) with a four-game home winning streak, dating back to the final two contests of 2017. The Govs defeated Presbyterian and Tennessee State in the first two home games this season. With a victory, the Governors will have their first five-game home win streak since 1980-81.
Austin Peay has scored three Homecoming victories against TTU over the years, tied for the most against any opponent with Middle Tennessee and Murray State. Last season, the Govs won their first Homecoming matchup since 2008, defeating Southeast Missouri, 38-31.
The game against the Golden Eagles is also the final contest for the Govs in their quest to repeat as Sgt. York Trophy champions. APSU fell to UT Martin and defeated TSU earlier this season, while TSU is coming off of a victory against TTU last week. UT Martin still has matchups with TSU and TTU on the horizon.
The Govs continue to be one of the nation’s most electric teams in the run game, rushing for more than 240 yards per game. The Govs lead the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing yards per game, and rank second with 19 rushing touchdowns on the year, trailing only Jacksonville State.
Quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall has featured heavily in the run game as well as the passing game, as he is the only player in the top 10 in the OVC in passing yards per game (128.6, eighth) and rushing yards per game (49.0, ninth).
Defensively, the Govs have intercepted at least one pass in each of the past six games, and have forced at least one turnover in every game this season. They rank second in the OVC and 29th nationally with a plus-3 turnover margin.
Head coach Will Healy said despite the Golden Eagles’ record, the Governors will need to be ready for a fight, considering the parity seen throughout the OVC this season.
“Their kids are still competing and playing, and schematically, I think they’re giving themselves a chance,” Healy said. “I think they’re playing some young guys and saying, ‘We’re going to build this thing for the future.’ They’ll be prepared, ready to play, and they’ve got nothing to lose.”
Courtesy of APSU Athletics
