University of Tennessee at Chattanooga cornerbacks Buster Skrine and Kadeem Wise didn't have to worry too much about pass defending last week at The Citadel.
In the Mocs' 28-10 win, the Bulldogs completed just 2 of 8 passes for 25 yards. Wise intercepted the most important pass, a third-quarter grab in the end zone when UTC was leading 14-10.
On Saturday, the Mocs (3-2, 2-1 Southern Conference) will face another triple-option team in Georgia Southern (3-2, 1-1). Even though the Eagles average 267.0 rushing yards a game, fifth-most in the FCS, they aren't shy about putting the ball in the air.
"They definitely throw it a whole lot more than The Citadel, but basically they run the same stuff," said Skrine, a all-conference senior.
Actually, The Citadel and Georgia Southern both average 11.6 pass attempts per game. The difference is accuracy.
Georgia Southern quarterback Jaybo Shaw, a Georgia Tech transfer, has completed 53.4 percent of his 58 passes, with no interceptions. The Citadel's quarterbacks, meanwhile, have combined to complete just 34.3 percent of their attempts, with four interceptions.
The Eagles are averaging 106.4 passing yards a game and have some big, athletic receivers, so the passing game can't be ignored.
"Against these guys, if you're not on top of [the receivers] they're going to complete balls against you," Mocs coach Russ Huesman said. "Some of these option teams, they can't. If you're just somewhere in the general area, they're not going to complete it.
"Georgia Southern's different. Their quarterback has an arm."
Skrine has had a quiet season despite being one of the top corners in the SoCon. He missed the Jacksonville State game with a dislocated shoulder and has just one interception.
Wise, on the other hand, now owns the freshman record with five picks. His average of one a game is tied for first in the country.
Asked if he was a little jealous of Wise's production - both corners have five career interceptions - Skrine said not even a little.
"He's like my little brother," Skrine said, patting Wise on the shoulder after Wednesday's practice, "and I'm happy for him."
Extra points
Linebacker Bo Dyer, who is out this season due to blood clots, attended practice Wednesday and said he should be able to resume working out in January. ... For the second straight season, UTC will take on the Eagles while seeking its fourth win in a row. Georgia Southern denied the Mocs last season, winning 30-20.