The Mocs used a balanced offensive attack and a solid defensive performance to build a three-touchdown lead and defeat Samford 41-21 at Finley Stadium. The win gave UTC its first 4-0 start since 1979.
Looking back at the stars, the stats and what Saturday's win over Samford means for the third-ranked Mocs:
SATURDAY'S STAR
Derrick Craine ran for a career-high 222 yards in the win. Nearly 200 - 194 - came in the second half, with a lot of yards coming after contact. He scored two touchdowns and lived in the Bulldogs' secondary in the final 30 minutes of play.
SATURDAY'S STAT
The win marks the 13th consecutive Southern Conference home win, and the first time the Mocs have started a season 4-0 since 1979. Not bad for a program that was winless against Division I competition eight years ago.
TURNING POINT
Coach Russ Huesman called for a fake punt in the third quarter, with the Mocs clinging to a 21-7 lead on their own end of the field. Craine rushed for 32 yards on the play, and the ensuing field goal gave the Mocs a 17-point cushion.
HIGHLIGHT PLAY
There was a ton of offense and a ton of defense, but the Mocs' offense gave kicker Henrique Ribeiro time to shine, and he responded with a career-long 48-yard field goal.
WHAT IT MEANS
Both the offense and the defense responded with solid performances against a good Bulldogs team, and the Mocs will be riding that momentum into the return of the ETSU rivalry, which will be played for the first time since 2003.