Bax Trax: Three things to watch for Tennessee Tech

The Mercer Bears have started the season 0-2 after a heartbreaking one point loss to conference rival The Citadel and a 35-10 loss to FBS opponent Georgia Tech. The Bears will look to notch a W in the win column as they take on the Golden Eagles from Tennessee Tech.

Here are three things to watch for in the matchup.

 

1.Converting in the red zone

A year ago the Bears lost 29-22 on the road to Tennessee Tech. Part of the reason for that loss was the inability to get the ball in the endzone. They were forced to settle for four field goals. Three of Jagger Lieb’s field goals were from inside 26 yard line. The Bears outgained and for much of the game, dominated the Golden Eagles. Had those field goals been touchdowns,  it would have been a blow out the way the stat sheet suggests it should have been.

2.Where are the Bears confidence after an 0-2 start?

The Bears have played solid football for both games this season, but they are still sitting at 0-2. It makes one wonder how confident are they heading into the third game of the season. It's hard to call a non-conference game a must win, but at this point the Bears need a win to right the ship before a tough conference schedule start. It will be interesting to see if they can remain confident in the midst of an 0-2 start.

3. The chalkboard material

Early this week, Marcus Satterfield, the Tennessee Tech head coach, gave the Bears some chalkboard material -- something for Coach Lamb and company to put up to motivate the guys.

“We’re going to throw body blows for four quarters.” Satterfield said.

This type of talk could get the Bears fired up to throw haymakers for four quarters. A year ago, body blows are what beat the Bears. Despite the Bears dominating in every aspect of the game but the final score, the Golden Eagles were able to chip away at the Bears for four quarters and grab a win.

The Bears still have a sour taste from last year's loss and this quote will just be added motivation for them to come out swinging on both sides of the ball.