UTC (4-3, 3-0 SoCon) at WOFFORD (4-2, 3-1)
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
1:30 p.m. at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina
VIDEO & RADIO
ESPN+ & 97.7 FM
THE MATCHUP
The Wofford Terriers – who shared the 2018 Southern Conference title with East Tennessee State and Furman but received the league’s automatic playoff bid by virtue of a tiebreaker – are clicking on all cylinders and currently lead the conference in total offense and defense. They have averaged nearly 400 rushing yards per game this season and are on a four-win streak in which they have averaged 45 points per game, but defense has done its part, too, as Wofford has allowed an average of fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. Spartanburg has been unkind to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program, which has one win there in its past nine visits.
ONE TO WATCH
Wofford quarterback Joe Newman is the perfect triggerman for the team’s option offense, and he’s much more than a game manager. Newman leads the SoCon in rushing at 115.7 yards per game and is adept at recognizing defenses. Though only a 52% passer, the senior averages nearly 20 yards per completion.
IN THE END
With first place in the league on the line, the Mocs will get Wofford’s A game. Though the UTC defense has shown immense improvement against the run, the Terriers will make enough plays to get out front early. If the Mocs can keep the score close and somehow force Newman to beat them through the air, this one could go down to the wire.
PREDICTION
Wofford 31, UTC 24
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.