UTC Mocs logoBefore catching up on some family errands Saturday afternoon, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Russ Huesman was able to watch most of Indiana State’s 36-16 victory at Eastern Kentucky.
The Sycamores, who like UTC are making their first playoff appearance in 30 years, rallied for 36 unanswered points, including 24 in the third quarter, and will face the Mocs next Saturday at Finley Stadium at 1 p.m. in a second-round FCS playoff game.
“I knew regardless of who won, either team would be a great opponent,” said Huesman, who said it’s difficult to really scout a team by watching a game on television. “You can’t get a ton from watching, not until you have the film and the remote in your hand so you can rewind and see what they’re trying to do.
“My first impression was that the wind played a huge factor. Indiana State had the wind at its back in the third quarter, and they took advantage. We’ll have to be really good in pass coverage. Their quarterback is an excellent player.”
Indiana State senior quarterback Mike Perish completed 41 of 57 passes for 407 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He connected with nine receivers, with Kyani Harris leading the way with nine catches for 91 yards and a TD. The Sycamores (8-5) ran for only 49 yards.
Perish became the school’s single-season (3,364) and career (6,545) passing leader with Saturday’s performance and has 43 career passing TDs.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.