Latest lineThe UTC first-team offensive line produced some running room for the Mocs' stable of running backs during Saturday's scrimmage and showed the toughness that offensive line coach Geep Wade expects from the group.Pass protection, however, is an area that has a ways to go, he said. Numerous times Saturday the defense was able to get through into the backfield on pass plays."As far as the fundamentals, I think we're getting there in the run game," Wade said. "It's in protection where we've got a lot more work to do."
Playing without the services of nine potential starters or key contributors next season, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defense had its hands full during Saturday's scrimmage at Finley Stadium.
The Mocs' defense was shorthanded entering spring football practice with several returning starters out while recovering from injuries or surgeries. The depth chart also has taken a hit in the past few weeks with several defenders suffering minor injuries
Linebacker Ryan Consiglio (elbow), cornerback Chaz Moore (hip) and safety D.J. Key (concussion) were among those watching from the sideline, and safety Jordan Tippit missed the scrimmage because of a family illness.
"In the [Football Championship Subdivision], not just at Chattanooga, in spring football you're developing depth by playing depth," defensive coordinator Adam Fuller said. "That's what we're doing."
It's not by choice, but Fuller said it could pay off in the coming season because so many freshmen are playing so many snaps this spring.
Freshman defensive tackles Keyon Reed and Devin Scates were two ironmen Saturday. Because the Mocs had just three healthy defensive tackles - returning starter Nick Davison was the other - Reed and Scates not only rotated in with the first unit but also were the second- and third-team tackles.
"It gets tough sometimes, but you've got to suck it up and be a team player," Scates said. "I think we got a lot of reps and a lot of good work in after a good week of practice."
As with the first scrimmage on March 5, Saturday's session was played in a steady rain. The start was delayed 30 minutes because of lightning, but once the players were allowed back on the field they got right to work.
"It wasn't bad," head coach Russ Huesman said. "It was better than the last scrimmage we had as far as having the ability to throw it and it just wasn't a total mess."
The first-team offense came out running on its first series, with Chris Awuah carrying the ball four straight plays. The possession eventually led to a 27-yard Nick Pollard field goal.
Running backs Awuah, J.J. Jackson and Keon Williams all held on to the ball despite the wet conditions, and each had numerous quality carries. Williams had 11 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, Awuah ran eight times for 40 yards and Jackson had 29 yards on 10 carries.
Quarterback B.J. Coleman and Joel Bradford connected on several big pass plays. Bradford caught one pass sliding on his knees, like a soccer player celebrating a goal, for a 38-yard gain.
Bradford also caught a 70-yard touchdown pass, but technically it was called back because he was flagged for celebrating before he reached the end zone. He had five catches for 152 yards.
Starting next season, when a player is flagged for excessive celebration the penalty will be enforced from the spot of the foul, regardless of if the player goes on to score.
Coleman finished 15-of-27 for 229 yards, with a touchdown and an interception
UTC will practice Monday and Wednesday before wrapping up spring practice with the Blue and Gold game next Saturday.