UTC offense must help defense more this year

UTC offensive lineman Noah Ramsey, right, goes through drills this past Monday at Scrappy Moore Field.
UTC offensive lineman Noah Ramsey, right, goes through drills this past Monday at Scrappy Moore Field.
photo UTC offensive lineman Noah Ramsey, right, goes through drills this past Monday at Scrappy Moore Field.

During the 2017 football season, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's defense gave its offense a number of opportunities to either get back in or stay in games.

Too many times, the offense failed to do its part, with the final result a 3-8 record.

That's why when Mocs head coach Tom Arth was asked recently if he expected to have a better product on the field this season, his second with the program, he quickly replied, "We have to."

Last year, the Mocs ranked eighth in the Southern Conference in scoring (17.7 points per game), eighth in total offense (267.6 yards per game) and eighth in yards per play (4.2). They were never shut out, but they only topped 24 points in a game once, during a 63-7 win over Virginia Military Institute on Sept. 23.

There was blame to share for the lack of success. The offensive line struggled, which led to the rushing attack never developing consistency. There was youth and inconsistency at quarterback, which led to 17 interceptions and 25 takeaways, second-to-last in both categories among SoCon programs. Only VMI, which finished 0-11, was worse.

In the offseason, a lot of change happened - mostly through recruiting but also internally. For power at running back, 6-foot, 220-pound Tyrell Price, a junior college standout, was brought in. For blocking, a trio of Football Bowl Subdivision transfers arrived. Players previously in the program bought in to what the coaching staff was preaching.

"The way we look so far is not even close (to last season)," offensive coordinator Justin Rascati said recently. "I feel everyone in the program is more comfortable, players and coaches. It's been a really good offseason, then we had a good spring and summer, and we're doing well in fall camp. We talk about achieving success in camp, getting better every day. There are no wins or losses in training camp; it's about getting better as a unit, and the guys are working hard.

"We're excited about getting to game week in a few weeks, but we're continuing to get better each and every day and keep working hard."

Rascati said the offensive line - the most-maligned unit on the team last season - had a chip on its collective shoulder through winter workouts, which has been a big reason for its progress.

Arth said he had seen a "lot of growth" in the offense overall this preseason, but he said the Mocs are still lacking in certain situations, such as third-down conversions.

"We have to do better there, but what I've seen is we're making more explosive plays this camp than we have at any point," Arth said. "That's been a big emphasis for us. We've been doing a better job of taking care of the football, and that's been our biggest emphasis. Those two things are really good to see, plus now we're running the ball better, and you can see what a bigger back like Tyrell brings.

"I've been pleased with where we're at, but we have to get better on third downs and convert at a much higher rate."

Mocs scrimmage

The Mocs held their first live scrimmage of the preseason Sunday morning at Finley Stadium.

The defense had three interceptions - by freshman Kohl Henke, redshirt freshman Jabril Malone and junior Cameron Turner. Senior defensive back Kareem Orr had a sack and broke up a pass, while freshman CaMiron Smith, sophomore Jerrell Lawson and senior Tavon Lawson also broke up passes. Lawson, junior Ian Hayes and freshman Ben Brewton added sacks, while Malone, juniors Khayyan Edwards and Telvin Jones and freshman Nyvin Nelson had tackles for loss.

Junior quarterback Nick Tiano finished 11-for-17 passing for 95 yards while playing exclusively with the first unit. Chris James was 4-for-12 for 120 yards and two interceptions. He threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to freshman Lameric Tucker, who finished with 112 yards on three catches.

Price had 24 yards on four carries, including a 20-yard run during red-zone drills. Fullback Andrew Hill was the leading rusher with 54 yards on nine carries, including a 24-yard run.

Victor Ulmo was 5-for-5 kicking field goals, converting from 28, 32, 35, 39 and 43 yards.

"I think the tape shows the play, and you can see execution and you can see technique, but to me, I get a better feel for what the practice is like by being out here," Arth said afterward. "Feeling it and hearing what it sounds like, including the emotion in practice and the energy, you get so much from that.

"That is one thing that has been greatly improved from last season."

The Mocs return to practice Tuesday afternoon.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.

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