Wofford linebacker Robbie Armstrong tackles UTC running back Tyrell Price during last week's game at Finley Stadium.UTC (4-2, 2-2 SoCon) at WESTERN CAROLINA (3-2, 1-2)
3:30 p.m. at Whitmire Stadium in Cullowhee, North Carolina
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THE MATCHUP
Western Carolina quarterback Will Jones is expected to make his first college start. The redshirt freshman fared pretty well filling in for dynamic redshirt junior Tyrie Adams last week, coming off the bench to pass for 210 yards and two touchdowns in a 66-28 loss at Samford. But the Catamounts lead the Southern Conference in scoring offense with an average of 39.3 points per league game, so his challenge will be figuring out how to keep them on track against a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defense that breaks rarely despite bending often. The Mocs' scoring defense ranks second in the SoCon at 21.5 points per league game but only fifth in total defense, having given up an average of 407.2 yards per game against conference foes. That's still 90 yards fewer than Western Carolina's offense averages inside league play.
ONES TO WATCH
If the UTC offense is going to get on track, this is a pretty decent opportunity. The Catamounts' defense has given up averages of 395.3 passing yards and 585 total yards per game against SoCon competition, both worst in the league. It's possible the Mocs will try to establish the pass early, and if they do, they can turn the controls over to junior running back Tyrell Price and a ground game that has gained only 70 yards during a two-game losing streak after better results earlier.
IN THE END
It appears the Mocs might have already faced the toughest part of their regular-season schedule. With home-field advantage and an offense capable of scoring at any time, Western Carolina won't be a pushover, but the Mocs' defense has done well slowing down teams, evidenced by 24 points being the most they have allowed in regulation play this season. If the UTC offense can get on track and its defense continue to do what it has been doing, the Mocs will have no problem. If not, the result could be a third straight UTC loss and a lot of concern going into a bye week.
PREDICTION
UTC 31, Western Carolina 14