UTC (6-5, 3-2 SoCon) at VMI (4-7, 3-4)
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019
1 p.m. at Foster Stadium in Lexington, Virginia
VIDEO & RADIO
ESPN3 & 97.7 FM/1070 AM
THE MATCHUP
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has a chance to tie for the Southern Conference championship with help, but winning in Lexington on what is forecast as a rainy day has to happen first. Virginia Military Institute has lost four straight games after impressive wins over The Citadel and Samford, but the offense hasn't been the problem for the Keydets. VMI leads the SoCon by averaging nearly 300 yards passing per game behind quarterback Reece Udinksi while also boasting a 1,200-yard rusher in Alex Ramsey, who leads the Football Championship Subdivision with 22 rushing touchdowns. On the other hand, the Mocs have averaged nearly 250 yards on the ground their past seven games, the same number VMI gives up each contest.
ONE TO WATCH
Given the expected wet conditions, expect a heavy dose of "IBI." UTC running back Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks could thrive in the rain given his downhill running style. After returning from missing four games due to injury, he has gone for 139 and 119 yards with four touchdowns after freshman star Ailym Ford went down with a knee injury at Samford. The Mocs also would like to possess the ball as long as possible to keep the potent VMI offense off the field.
IN THE END
Injuries continue to mount for the Mocs, especially on the offensive side of the ball, but the unit's confidence is at a season high after rallying for two late scores to edge The Citadel last week. They should score early and often against the Keydets behind the powerful running game, and their defense will do its part by keeping Ramsey in check.
PREDICTION
UTC 38, VMI 21
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.