UTC 3 and out with Zach McCarter

Georgia Southern's Jerick McKinnon is slowed in his advance by the Mocs' Zach McCarter during Saturday's game at Finley Stadium.

Photo by Jake Daniels /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga safety Zach McCarter answers three quick questions about earning a starting spot and about Saturday's game:

1. What do you guys need to do defensively against Western Carolina, which has some playmakers on offense, including true freshman quarterback Troy Mitchell?

McCarter: "We definitely have to contain the quarterback. He's athletic, he's fast and if you let him out of the pocket he can definitely make some plays. Other than that, we've just got to hustle around."

2. What's it like transitioning from preparing for and playing a triple-option team like Georgia Southern last week to a spread-oriented team like Western Carolina this week?

McCarter: "It's definitely a transition because they're completely different offenses. What we're going to see this week is a lot like what we do on offense most of the time. I think everybody will figure it out and play really well."

3. After coming here as a walk-on from Hixson in 2010, you've started at strong safety the past three games. How satisfying is that feeling of playing your way into a starter's role?

McCarter: "[Having to work to earn playing time and a starting spot] was definitely a humbling experience, I will say that. I feel like I've done enough. I haven't been getting yelled at too much, so I must be doing something right."