Michael Birdsong had three total touchdowns, Yeedee Thaenrat rushed for 164 yards and a score, and Tennessee Tech beat Tennessee State 44-16 on Saturday night.
Tennessee Tech took the opening kickoff and went on a 10-play, 75-yard drive for a 7-0 lead on Thaenrat's short run. The Golden Eagles scored 20 unanswered points in the second quarter and led 27-3 at halftime.
Dontez Byrd caught nine passes for 112 yards and one touchdown for Tennessee Tech (4-6, 4-3 Ohio Valley Conference). Birdsong was 14-of-22 passing for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and he had six carries for 77 yards. Nick Madonia made 3 of 4 field goals, with a long of 57.
Lane Clark made three field goals -- of 55, 47 and 25 yards -- for Tennessee State (6-4, 3-3).
The Tigers scored their lone touchdown with 8:08 remaining in the fourth quarter when Ronald Butler connected with Steven Newbold for 22 yards to pull to 37-16. The Golden Eagles answered on their next drive with Birdsong's 14-yard touchdown run.
