Game Details
The Cumberland University Phoenix (7–3 in 2024) travel to face the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (4–7 in 2024) on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Kickoff is at 12:00 PM CDT from Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tennessee, with live coverage on ESPN+.
Team Profiles
Cumberland Phoenix (Lebanon, Tenn.)
2024 Record: 7–3 overall, 3–3 Mid-South Conference
Head Coach: Kevin Donley (37th season)
Offensive Identity: Balanced attack—mixes power runs with quick-game passes
Defensive Identity: 4–2–5 hybrid focusing on speed and turnover creation
Key Returners
RB Josh Franklin: Rushed for 930 yards (5.1 YPC) and 12 TDs
QB Blake McCall: Threw for 1,850 yards, 16 TDs, added 400 rushing yards
LB Isaiah Harris: Team-leading 85 tackles and 4 sacks
Cumberland’s veteran core excels at sustaining drives and forcing mistakes. The Phoenix averaged over 400 yards per game in 2024, and a stout front seven will aim to slow down Tennessee Tech’s spread offense.
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (Cookeville, Tenn.)
2024 Record: 4–7 overall, 3–5 Ohio Valley Conference
Head Coach: Dewayne Alexander (2nd season)
Offensive Identity: Up-tempo spread with tempo-driven passing
Defensive Identity: 4–3 base defense prioritizing pressure
Key Returners
QB Carter Simmons: Completed 62% of passes for 2,100 yards and 18 TDs
WR Malik Johnson: Team-leading 65 catches for 780 yards and 8 TDs
DB Jordan Fields: Recorded 5 interceptions and 12 pass breakups
Tech’s aerial attack features quick timing routes and deep-strike capability. On defense, the Golden Eagles will look to generate pressure with stunts and bring playmaking from their secondary.
Key Storylines
David vs. Goliath: An NAIA program taking on an FCS school sets up a classic underdog narrative.
Preseason Momentum: Cumberland received votes in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25, riding confidence into this crossover matchup.
Tempo Contrast: Tech’s hurry-up offense clashes with Cumberland’s time-of-possession focus—who controls the clock will decide the contest.
Cumberland’s physical front and disciplined game plan will keep the score closer than the spread suggests, but Tennessee Tech’s depth and tempo should ultimately prevail. Expect Tech to build a big halftime lead, then lean on the run to close out.
Game Odds
Cumberland Phoenix (TN) 53.5
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles – 30.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
