University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive line coach Russ Ehrenfeld wasn't entirely pleased with how the Mocs' front five performed last week.
Sure, quarterback B.J. Coleman threw for 375 yards, and UTC had 173 yards rushing, but many of those plays were ad-libbed after the protection or run blocking broke down.
"I know we can be better," Ehrenfeld said. "We were sloppy at times. ... We've got to play better than that, and I think we will."
The line was hampered last Saturday by injuries: Starting left guard Omre Harris played with a sprained ankle and starting right tackle Adam Miller sat out with a bad ankle.
Harris will likely be out for this week's game against Western Carolina, so backup center Austin Wilson will slide over and play left guard. Miller practiced Tuesday and could play Saturday. If not, backup Dustin Tate will start for the second straight game.
Wilson, a sophomore who plays regularly, said he's never played guard before. He was a tight end and defensive end in high school before being moved to center when he came to UTC.
"I feel like if you know center, then you basically know both the guards," Wilson said.
The coaches have been high on Wilson since he came to UTC. He started one game last season, but for the most part he's been stuck behind senior Justin Galyon on the depth chart.
Wilson is hoping the move to left guard won't be a one-time thing.
"I'm trying my hardest to prepare hard this week so hopefully I can earn that starting spot for the rest of the season," Wilson said.
Arrested duo suspended
Redshirt freshmen Wes Dothard and Briant Henry are suspended for Saturday's game, Huesman said. The two defensive backups practiced with the scout team Tuesday and will not make the trip to Cullowhee, N.C.
Dothard and Henry were arrested following an alcohol-related incident in their Boling Apartments room early Sunday morning.
In addition to the suspension, Huesman said, the players will have a curfew for the rest of the season. They must also attend an alcohol-awareness meeting and do some community-service activities before they can play again.
Extra points
Among the players who sat out Tuesday's practice with injuries were running back Erroll Wynn (shoulder), linebacker Ryan Consiglio (concussion), tight end Garrett Hughes (foot) and kicker Jeff Veres (groin). All are expected to be available Saturday. ... After practice Huesman gave record-setting wideout Joel Bradford a game ball for his 254-yard performance against EKU.
Contact John Frierson at jfrierson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6268. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/mocsbeat.