Tough start to Alexander era at Tennessee Tech

Published Feb. 3, 2018 11:22 a.m. ET

(STATS) - Tennessee Tech's first-year coach Dewayne Alexander will do anything but ease into his first schedule this season.

The opening month of the Golden Eagles' 11-game schedule is particularly daunting. Out of conference, they'll open at Southern Conference power Chattanooga (Aug. 30), which is seeking to rebound from a subpar season; host Big South champ and FCS quarterfinalist Kennesaw State (Sept. 6); and travel to an FBS opponent Utah State (Sept. 15).

The start of the Ohio Valley Conference schedule isn't any easier as Tennessee Tech travels to four-time defending champ Jacksonville State (Sept. 22) and hosts traditional power Eastern Illinois (Sept. 29).

"It's going to be a fun schedule, but it's going to be a difficult one," Alexander said.

The Golden Eagles will play five home games as they try to improve off a 1-10 season last year.

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2018 Tennessee Tech Schedule

Aug. 30, at Chattanooga

Sept. 6, Kennesaw State

Sept. 15, at Utah State

Sept. 22, at Jacksonville State*

Sept. 29, Eastern Illinois*

Oct. 6, Southeast Missouri*

Oct. 20, at Tennessee State*

Oct. 27, at Austin Peay*

Nov. 3, Murray State*

Nov. 10, at UT Martin*

Nov. 17, Eastern Kentucky*

* - Ohio Valley Conference game