Xavier Borishade, left, and Oscar Prado, center, rejoice among a throng of UTC football players after hearing they are the eighth seat and have a first-game bye in the FCS Playoffs.Read moreWiedmer: A UTC football season to erase 30 years of heartacheUTC playoff bid brings joy, relief to players
Despite the assurance of having already secured a spot in the NCAA Division I FCS football playoffs for the first time in 30 years, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga players, coaches and fans who packed the University Center auditorium Sunday morning still had much to be anxious about.
After claiming their sixth consecutive win in convincing fashion Saturday, the Mocs, who have tied the school record with nine wins this season, were hoping to be named one of the top eight seeds for the 24-team tournament. Being in the top eight means a first-round bye and the right to host a second-round game.
As all eyes in the room stared up at the giant video screen airing the ESPNU selection show broadcast, many players fidgeted nervously, then scooted to the edge of their seats to rest their forearms on their knees as they leaned in closer.
Within the first few minutes of the bracket announcement, the room erupted into cheers when it was announced that the Mocs had earned the No. 8 overall seed. Players raised their arms in celebration, whooped and hollered and exchanged high-fives for several seconds before settling back down to examine the entire bracket and find out who they will play in two weeks.