UTC junior right tackle Harrison Moon blocks a Tennessee Tech defender during the Mocs’ season-opening win against Tennessee Tech on Aug. 30 at Finley Stadium.UTC (3-0, 1-0 SOCON) VS. FCS NO. 17 SAMFORD (1-2, 0-1)
7 p.m. at Finley Stadium
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THE MATCHUP
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defense will have its hands full against the Bulldogs’ high-powered passing attack, which has averaged 368.3 yards per game this season. The Mocs have six takeaways, and it will be imperative for them to get a couple more this evening, whether by forcing a fumble or picking off a pass. That puts the onus on the defensive front to pressure standout quarterback Devlin Hodges, the preseason Southern Conference offensive player of the year who has been sacked only once this season. If the Mocs can consistently force him out of the pocket, they could force bad throws, which could lead to interceptions.
ONES TO WATCH
UTC’s offensive line – the starting five are junior left tackle Malcolm White, sophomore left guard Cole Strange, sophomore center Noah Ramsey, sophomore right guard Chris Barnes and junior right tackle Harrison Moon – has been the key to the Mocs’ success on that side of the ball this year. The line’s progress has led to junior quarterback Nick Tiano’s improved play, which has uncovered a talented receivers corps led by sophomore Bryce Nunnelly. And that has led to an improved rushing attack that has to be respected, which in turn leads to the Mocs’ play-action game. If they can control the line of scrimmage against a talented Samford front, the Mocs will be able to move the ball and likely put points on the board.
IN THE END
Coach Tom Arth never flinched as his first UTC team started 1-7 last year. The Mocs have won five of their past six games since that slow start, yet Arth’s message has never changed. That has led to a team that didn’t get too low during the bad times nor too high with this season’s much better start. The Mocs are probably as talented on paper as Samford, the preseason favorite to win the SoCon, and they’ll show that at Finley as they surge back into the rankings via a big win at home.
PREDICTION
UTC 38, Samford 24