Huesman, Mocs claim road win at Samford

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior quarterback Jacob Huesman had 331 yards of total offense, and the Mocs had a standout defensive effort in defeating Samford 31-21.

The Mocs (2-1) were excellent on both sides of the both in winning their Southern Conference opener at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs entered the game as a trendy upset pick, having entered the game averaging 51.5 points and 644 yards of total offense in their first two games.

Meanwhile, the Mocs had allowed over 400 yards of total offense in their first two games. Saturday, the Bulldogs were limited to 99 in the first half and 313 for the game as the Mocs forced two turnovers and had six sacks.

Samford held a 14-7 lead after a quarter after a 63-yard touchdown pass from Michael Eubank to Emmanuel Obajimi and a 100-yard kickoff return by Karel Hamilton, but the Mocs took the game over in the second quarter, outscoring Samford 17-0 and holding them to negative-2 yards of offense. Huesman had an 11-yard touchdown run and threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Board, and Henrique Ribeiro ended the half with a 45-yard field goal.

They stretched their lead to 31-14 on an 18-yard run by backup quarterback Alejandro Bennifield on the first play of the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs cut the lead to 10 on a 37-yard run by Kelvin McKnight with 12:40 to play.

The Mocs had two defensive stands after that, with a hurry by Toyvian Brand leading to a Vantrel McMillan interception and a fourth-down stop that sealed the win.

UTC travels to Presbyterian College of the Big South Conference next week.

For full story, read Sunday's Times Free Press.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.