VMI linebacker Allan Cratsenberg tackles UTC running back Richardre Bagley during the Mocs' home football game against the VMI Keydets at Finely Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team had a slow start Saturday before finally waking up and cruising to a 30-13 win over Virginia Military Institute at Finley Stadium.
The eighth-ranked Mocs used a balanced attack to pile up 519 yards of total offense, while the defense sacked VMI quarterback Al Cobb six times and held the Keydets to 11 rushing yards.
A look at the stars and stats in Saturday's win, the Mocs' seventh of the season.
SATURDAY'S STAR
Richardre Bagley filled in admirably for injured starter Derrick Craine, gaining 189 yards on 23 carries. He had second-half touchdown runs of 27 and 45 yards, with the latter giving the Mocs a 30-13 lead with 8:11 to play.
SATURDAY'S STAT
The Mocs set a season high for rushing yards (297) without Craine and against a team that entered the day third in the Southern Conference against the run in league games. All four players who logged carries - Bagley, backup tailback Alex Trotter and quarterbacks Alejandro Bennifield and Tyler Roberson - had at least 30 yards on the ground.
TURNING POINT
After back-to-back touchdowns by the Keydets cut the Mocs' lead to 10 points late in the third quarter, the UTC defense limited them to one first down in their next two possessions, effectively shutting down the VMI attack.
THE BIG PLAY
Bagley shook off a few tackles and sprinted 45 yards down the right side, scoring to give the Mocs a 17-point cushion midway through the fourth quarter.
BOTTOM LINE
The Mocs started slowly but were able to build a lead in the second quarter and pull away in the fourth. They can only focus on themselves down the stretch this season, and winning every game possible will aid their pursuit of the playoffs.