UTC VS. TENNESSEE TECH
7 p.m. at Finley Stadium
RADIO & VIDEO
96.1 FM and ESPN3 (online)
THE MATCHUP
Tennessee Tech offensive coordinator Tre Lamb and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defensive coordinator Matt Feeney will each be coaching his first game at his position. Lamb has settled on freshman Bailey Fisher as his starting quarterback, and it will be interesting to see how he’s used. Feeney has the luxury of eight players who started multiple games last season returning on his defense, as well as some experience in the secondary – which will be key, because it appears the Golden Eagles are going to spread out the Mocs and throw the ball around some.
ONE TO WATCH
Tyrell Price could very well be the jewel of the Mocs’ 2018 signing class, but for the 6-foot, 220-pound running back to show what he’s capable of, the Mocs’ revamped and revitalized offensive line – which could wind up being a strength this year – will have to open some holes for him. Tennessee Tech’s defensive line features 6-foot-5, 250-pound Tim Collins, a preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, but if the Mocs can neutralize Collins and the rest of the line, Price could have a big day.
IN THE END
The Mocs don’t want to forget last season, when they went 3-8, but they are eager to show they’re not that same team this year. The offense never developed any consistency in 2017, which led to major struggles on that side of the ball. It appears junior Nick Tiano will be the starting quarterback. Paired with Price, he will give the Mocs their first season-opening win against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent since they beat the Golden Eagles in 2006.
Prediction: UTC 28, Tennessee Tech 10