1. START STRONG
The nonconference schedule won’t change, so the Mocs will need to have a good result from the opening three-game stretch of Jacksonville State in Montgomery, at LSU and in the home opener against UT-Martin. The last time the Mocs started the season 0-2, they went to the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals, so not all would be lost, but a 1-1 record in their first two games would mean either a win over the rival Gamecocks or a win against a Southeastern Conference opponent. Either way would be good. Add a win in the home opener against the Skyhawks and UTC could be in store for a great Southern Conference season and another playoff run.
2. DRO HAS TO BE DRO
Alejandro Bennifield was solid in his first season as a starting quarterback, and yet he’s much better going into his final season, working under the tutelage of head coach Tom Arth and offensive coordinator Justin Rascati – both stalwart quarterbacks in their time in college. Bennifield will be asked to be a leader with the ability to galvanize the team, through good situations and adverse ones. At the line he’s being asked to do more in terms of reading a defense, and he has performed well in that role. If he’s great, the team will follow.
3. PLAYERS HAVE TO STEP UP