UTC quarterback Nick Tiano points upward in celebration of his rushing touchdown during a home win against Samford on Sept. 22.UTC (4-1, 2-1 SOCON) vs. FCS No. 7/6 WOFFORD (3-1, 2-0)
3 p.m. at Finley Stadium
VIDEO & RADIO
ESPN+ & 96.1 FM
THE MATCHUP
For Wofford’s triple-option-heavy offense to work, a solid, decisive quarterback is needed. Junior Joe Newman has done a solid job in that regard this season and is an excellent runner, but he’s not a good passer. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga did a good job of slowing the Wofford offense last season, though quarterback Brandon Goodson – who was a senior – was able to make a couple of throws. If the Mocs can put Wofford in some passing situations early in the game, they could have some opportunities for takeaways.
ONES TO WATCH
This week’s challenge for the UTC offensive line will be figuring out a way to slow down Wofford’s defensive pressure up front and protect quarterback Nick Tiano. The Terriers’ defensive depth has been hurt a bit with the loss of preseason All-Southern Conference lineman Mikel Horton for the season, but the Terriers still lead or are in the top two of every defensive category among SoCon teams this year. The Mocs have struggled up front their past three halves, which has somewhat slowed what had been a prolific offense. If UTC can get a push up front, it could lead to some success in the ground game, which could open up the Mocs’ play-action passing attack.
IN THE END
Despite being unable to effectively run the ball and putting themselves in a 17-point hole last week at East Tennessee State, the Mocs had the ball with a chance to win in the end. UTC coach Tom Arth has constantly preached “execution over emotion,” and his team has been able to remain even-keeled throughout all sorts of adversity – some self-inflicted, such as last week. A win against the Terriers – ranked seventh in the STATS FCS Top 25 and sixth by Football Championship Subdivision coaches – should put the Mocs right back in the rankings. More importantly, they’ll be right back near the top of the pecking order in the SoCon, where there’s very little separation from one to eight. The Mocs will get a key home win.
PREDICTION
UTC 27, Wofford 23