Dylan Vazzano of the Tennessee Tech Network and Sports Information Coordinator was kind enough to offer his insight into Saturday’s game between the Bulldogs and Golden Eagles. A native of Los Angeles and graduate of Syracuse, Dylan has been with Tennessee Tech for 12 years and covers a variety of sports for the Golden Eagles.

What do you feel the strengths of this team are?

Experience on the defensive side of the ball. The Golden Eagles return a number of key pieces to the defensive puzzle for a unit that was first in the Big South-OVC in a variety of different categories such as total defense, sacks and opponent third-down conversion rate. Tech’s defense was also considered a Top 10 unit in FCS football so there is reason for optimism heading into 2024.

‌What does Tennessee Tech need to do to pull the upset?

Tennessee Tech is aware of the challenge in front of them. This is TTU’s first-ever matchup against the No. 1 team in the country, not to mention a program that has won two of the last three national championships. This has a different feel then your typical “money game,” but with that comes a fun, unique and memorable opportunity that many are looking forward to. I think that’s where the focus is. You play your game, enjoy the experience and let the chips fall where they may.

Who are some players that you think have a chance to be all-OVC caliber players this season?

I think you immediately look at some of the returning players from last year’s defense who were All-Big South/OVC recipients and that’s where the eyes dart to. Defensive linemen Daniel Rickert and Hudson Tucker were among the conference leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Aaron Swafford is a talented linebacker who is always around the ball and defensive back Tim Coutras is a Preseason All-American. They all won awards last year and are back for another season so there is no reason to believe they can’t have similar success in 2024.

What is your take on Georgia?

I honestly don’t think people are appreciating enough the historical nature of what this program is doing. This is true greatness like you read about it and there is no reason to think it can’t continue. I mean winners of two of the last three national championships, and the one year they didn’t, a College Football Playoff snub who then wins 63-3 over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. A 43-2 record over the last 45 games. 50-straight non-conference victories. Then, just a dominating victory as the No. 1 team in the country to start off the season against a good Clemson team. As a fan of football, you just have to be in awe of what this program is doing. It’s fun to watch.

What are some changes you would like to see in college football?

The change I wanted to see most finally happened with the expanded playoff to 12 teams. Being in the FCS game for the last 11 years, I always thought that was the coolest thing about football on this level. It has a true playoff system where the best team is decided on the field and not in a board room. That’s how it should be and I am excited to see they made that change.

Are your fans excited about coming to Athens?

Absolutely. I mean first of all for those going to the game itself, what an unbelievable atmosphere that is going to be. I had the chance to take in a Georgia game in Athens in 2014. It was the season opener against Clemson and it was a close game entering the fourth quarter before Georgia just went off on the way to a 45-21 win. Todd Gurley had four touchdowns in the game, including a 100-yard kickoff return. As a sports fan, it is still one of my favorite experiences. Then the town itself is just awesome. I remember being able to feel the energy on gameday and thinking how cool it was. Our fans have been talking about this game and this trip for a while and I know they can’t wait to get down there.

What are your favorite college towns?

Well…I’m no fool. This publication is called Bulldawg Illustrated right? Yeah, I am putting Athens toward the top of that list. But in all seriousness, I just talked about the game I went to and how much I enjoyed the town so it would be up there regardless. I have been fortunate enough to go to some cool places and games over the years. Penn State and Happy Valley was one of my favorite spots. Baton Rouge was a top tier experience. My first year at Tennessee Tech we played a game at Wisconsin and loved Madison. Also, I attended Syracuse so I might have some bias there, but honestly, and I am not just saying this because they sign my paycheck, but Tennessee Tech and Cookeville is just an awesome place that continues to grow and develop. It’s a great town and I am grateful to have lived here the last 11 years.