University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Russ Huesman said following Tuesday's practice that running back Erroll Wynn and wide receiver Jeff Veres have been suspended for Saturday's season opener.
Wynn, a fifth-year senior, is out for "violation of team policy," Huesman said. Veres, a redshirt sophomore walk-on, was suspended for his July 31 arrest in Nashville on charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and underage drinking.
Huesman said that right now their suspensions are for one game, but they could be extended.
Wynn started 24 straight games before redshirting last season. He has 1,804 career yards and seven touchdowns. His absence shouldn't hurt the running game much since he was already behind sophomores J.J. Jackson, who will start, and Chris Awauh on the depth chart.
The Mocs also have true freshman running back Keon Williams ready to play against No. 3 Appalachian State as well.
Veres is a backup wideout who likely will play primarily on special teams this season.
"We need everybody," Huesman said. "I hate for somebody not to be playing because they're not thinking real well. You hate that. It hurts the team and I know it hurts them not to be able to play, but rules are rules and you've got to live by them."
Mocs 'can' win title
During Tuesday's media luncheon, Huesman clarified a comment he made to the Chattanooga Quarterback Club on Monday. Huesman told the club that "we'll win a national championship here someday."
His clarification: "I put a 'will' instead of a 'can.' I should have put a 'can' in there. And my reference was that this job is a good enough job and the resources and the recruiting area and everything - you can win a national championship at Chattanooga."
Extra points
As of Tuesday afternoon, UTC was eight shy of passing last season's record for season-ticket sales. The Mocs sold 2,527 in 2009. In addition, more than 2,500 tickets have been sold for Saturday's opener. ... Huesman said place-kicker Nick Pollard (hip) will need to demonstrate today that he is ready to kick or punter Mike Hammons will handle all kicking duties.