UTC head coach Russ Huesman shouts instructions along the sidelines. The University of Tennessee/Chattanooga Mocs hosted the Shorter University Hawks in NCAA football action on Sept. 1, 2016. An explosive offense. A stingy defense.
Something is going to have to give Saturday.
The 2-0 and fourth-ranked University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team, which moved up two spots in the Football Championship Subdivision coaches’ poll after its 34-0 win over Presbyterian Saturday, will get its Southern Conference slate started this Saturday at 0-2 Furman.
The Paladins’ defense has been solid in road losses to FBS 12th-ranked Michigan State (28-13) and FCS 15th-ranked The Citadel (19-14). Furman ranks second in the league in total defense to UTC, allowing 329.5 yards per game, including holding a Spartans team that advanced to last season’s College Football Playoff semifinals to 361 yards of offense.
“I just hope we continue to prepare,” UTC coach Russ Huesman said Saturday. “I saw Nakevion Leslie in the office five-six times last week, other times when it wasn’t meeting time, watching film. Same with Lucas Webb. I hope they continue.