The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will begin its quest for the program's first back to back winning seasons since 1990-91 today when preseason practice gets under way at Scrappy Moore Field.
The Mocs went 6-5 in 2009, coach Russ Huesman's first season, and were picked by the Southern Conference coaches and media to finish in the top half of the league this fall. For that to happen, a lot will have to go UTC's way because the schedule - the Mocs open at home against Appalachian State on Sept. 4 - isn't as friendly as it was a year ago.
Most of the nucleus of last season's squad is still around, but there are numerous question marks. Here are five questions facing the Mocs as practice starts:
1. Can the Mocs carry last season's momentum into 2010?
Huesman inherited a team last season that won a game in 2008. By the end of 2009, the Mocs had the confidence of winners and the belief that it was just the beginning. A good spring and summer has UTC's confidence and expectations even higher.
2. Will UTC be able to run the ball?
The Mocs averaged just 85.0 rushing yards per game and a paltry 2.8 yards per attempt last season. Bryan Fitzgerald will try to return this season and there are other talented backs, but the bottom line is the offensive line needs a better season and the backs need to stay healthy.
3. Will all the new starters hurt the defense?
Several key players are back on defense, including a trio of preseason all-conference picks, but the Mocs lost two linemen and two linebackers. It's a defense in transition, but it's also a defense with some speed and talent, and the secondary should be among the best in the league.
4. Which unproven receivers will emerge as B.J. Coleman's top targets?
Chris Pitchford is the Mocs' only proven wide receiver with 73 career catches. Nobody other wideout has double-digit grabs, but several could finish with at least 20 this season, among them Joel Bradford, Marlon Anthony and Chris Marshall.
5. Can freshman Nick Pollard handle the kicking duties?
The starting job is Pollard's entering practice, and he has the difficult task of replacing Craig Camay, the 2009 SoCon kicker of the year. Pollard was the Tennessee Mr. Football kicker of the year last season and he will need to face some pressure in the preseason to be ready to kick a game-winner against the Mountaineers.