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| B.J. Taylor | |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- What were the odds that the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which had struggled to run the ball for nearly its entire season, would have more yards rushing than passing against Alabama?
As unlikely a scenario as that was given that the Mocs were 109th in the FCS in rushing (88.7 yards per game) and 23rd in passing (234.9), UTC did have more yards on the ground against the second-ranked Crimson Tide's defense in Alabama's 45-0 win Saturday.
The Mocs rushed for 48 yards on 21 attempts and completed 7 of 27 passes for 36 yards, with three interceptions. Senior fullback Shaun Kermah, who had just one carry all season coming into the game, led UTC with 18 pile-moving yards on six carries.
It wasn't a huge game, but given the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Kermah's minimal opportunities in the first 10 games, it was a fun way for him to finish his career, he said.
"We went into a couple of games having the fullback dive and we never actually ran it," he said. "I'm just happy that I got the opportunity to run it this game. I mean, if anything, let it be this game. ... I try to run like that every time I get the ball -- move the pile, keep my legs moving and break the first tackle."
Third-string tailback J.J. Jackson, a redshirt sophomore, had just five carries all season before Saturday. Against the Tide, who have the second-ranked rushing defense in the Bowl Subdivision, he ran the ball six times for 14 yards.
"I tried to work real hard this week and make the most of the opportunity," Jackson said.
Taylor finishes strong
Among the UTC players who thoroughly enjoyed themselves Saturday, despite the blowout loss, was senior defensive tackle B.J. Taylor, a Cherokee, Ala., resident playing in his last game.
In the third quarter, Taylor sacked backup quarterback Star Jackson for a 12-yard loss on third down and then tackled the fleet, 6-3, 206-pound Jackson after a 3-yard gain on fourth down.
"I got the back of his jersey, but that's a big old boy to be a quarterback, that can move, too," Taylor said of the sack. "I made him trip and fall, so I feel (good)."
The Mocs never put much pressure on starting quarterback Greg McElroy, who was 6-for-11 for 80 yards and a touchdown, but they got to Jackson twice. Defensive tack Nick Craig also sacked Jackson in the third quarter.
Extra points
Mocs senior safety Tony Swafford left the game early with a leg injury and did not return. ... The Mocs tried to get the ball to senior wideout Clint Woods (shoulder) one time, but the pass was incomplete. ... Linebacker Steven Smigelsky ended his career with a career-high 11 tackles; fellow senior linebacker Joseph Thornton had nine, as did sophomore safety Jordan Tippit. ... Saturday's game was a family affair for UTC athletic director Rick Hart, whose father, Dave, is the executive director of athletics at Alabama.
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