UTC (1-0, 0-0 SoCon) AT THE CITADEL (0-1, 0-1)
6 p.m. at Johnson-Hagood Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina
VIDEO & RADIO
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THE MATCHUP
While stopping The Citadel’s triple-option offense will be a big-time priority for the Mocs, the bigger matchup is UTC’s offense against the Bulldogs’ defense. The onus will be on the Mocs to move the ball against the Bulldogs, if for no other reason than to keep UTC’s defense rested and off the field. Scoring points is obviously important, too, but sustaining long drives leading to points may be even more crucial.
ONE TO WATCH
The Mocs’ defense has heard all week it has to “stop the dive,” which will put a lot of emphasis on the front seven to do its job and prevent Bulldogs B-back Lorenzo Ward – who had 124 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns in last week’s 28-21 loss at Wofford – from breaking any big gains. Option attacks usually mean a lot of tackles for defensive linemen, which means ends Isaiah Mack and Devonnsha Maxwell and tackle Derek Mahaffey – as well as their backups – need to have big days.
IN THE END
The Mocs have talked incessantly about how the culture has changed within the program, and winning today would be a step toward proving that. The opportunity will be there against an opponent that hast lost its past four games and seven of its past nine dating to last season, but one of those two wins was against the Mocs. This evening, the visitors will get the sort of big-time road win that could serve notice these Mocs will be a tough out this season.
PREDICTION: UTC 24, The Citadel 20