UTC VS. EASTERN ILLINOIS
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019
7 p.m. at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga
VIDEO & RADIO
ESPN3 & 97.7 FM
THE MATCHUP
There are more unknowns than knowns going into this first-time matchup between these football programs. Each features a new coaching staff, new schemes and many first-year starters. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Rusty Wright and Eastern Illinois counterpart Adam Cushing have similar backgrounds, style-wise, but while both prefer old-school, physical football, they plan to employ modern touches like no-huddle offenses with read-option plays. UTC, coming off a 6-5 record in 2018, appears to have the advantage on offense with an experienced unit led by QB Nick Tiano, RB Tyrell Price, WR Bryce Nunnelly – a 2018 All-Southern Conference pick – and a deep and experienced line. The Panthers (3-8 in 2018) return only two offensive starters and must replace the entire line. They do bring back 14 players with at least one defensive start, but the Panthers allowed more than 30 points per game last season.
ONES TO WATCH
On defense, the Mocs will rely heavily on the playmaking ability of their secondary, especially early in the season as several new defensive starters gain experience. Watch for junior free safety Brandon Dowdell to be involved against an Eastern Illinois offense that likely will try to use its athletic ability as an advantage over the Mocs. UTC defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward’s unit will blitz quite a bit, leaving the secondary open to potential big plays. With Dowdell and strong safety Jerrell Lawson manning the back end, Ward feels confident his blitzes can have an impact while not putting the Mocs at risk. Dowdell is so valuable to the defense that he will not be the first option to return kickoffs and punts this year after being a preseason All-SoCon first-team pick at return specialist.
IN THE END
Though Wright said this is just one game on the schedule, it feels bigger than that considering the Mocs’ next three are against Football Championship Subdivision powerhouses Jacksonville State and James Madison sandwiched around a visit to Football Bowl Subdivision big brother University of Tennessee. The Mocs have the edge in experience against Eastern Illinois, which usually means a great deal in season openers. A quick start would go a long way in giving Wright his first win leading the program, but the longer the game stays tight, the more nerves might set in. Ultimately, UTC will use a couple of big defensive plays to send the Finley crowd home happy.
PREDICTION
UTC 24, Eastern Illinois 17