SATURDAY'S STAR
The offense racked up 490 yards, but its inability to get the ball in the end zone set up Henrique Ribeiro for four field goals, tying a UTC record. His makes from 37, 20, 31 and 24 yards became the difference in the game as he moved into a tie for sixth all time in field goals made.
SATURDAY'S STAT
Sema'je Kendall's interception return for a touchdown was the third consecutive game that the UTC defense scored and the fourth time this season. The Mocs have forced nine turnovers in 2015 and have scored on nearly half of those changes of possession.
TURNING POINT
After the Mocs scored to cut the VMI lead to 21-17 midway through the second quarter, the Keydets received a delay-of-game penalty on the first play from scrimmage. That put them behind the sticks from the start, and they ran three plays and punted the ball back to the Mocs, who would kick a field goal and go into halftime down just one point.
THE BIG PLAY
With the offense sputtering inside the red zone, Kendall took matters - and the ball - into his own hands, stepping in front of an Al Cobb pass and running 28 yards untouched for a score that gave the Mocs a 33-21 lead and some breathing room.
WHAT IT MEANS
Simply put, the Mocs won a road game. In conference play. The final margin isn't flattering, but being the perceived best team in the SoCon means the Mocs are going to be all opponents' big game. UTC took a haymaker punch from VMI, righted itself and fought back for the win. An ugly win is better than a pretty loss any day.