Western Carolina’s 52-50 victory over the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga last season produced some mind-blowing offensive statistics, particularly for the winners.
Making those numbers extra impressive for the Catamounts was that they were accumulated against a UTC defense that prides itself on being physical.
In a matchup decided by the visitors’ 32-yard field goal as time expired at Finley Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023, Western Carolina’s offense averaged 11.5 yards per play, 12.0 yards per rush on 23 carries and 21.2 yards per completion on 13-of-25 passing. Of the team’s six offensive touchdowns, the shortest — shortest — covered 28 yards; the longest was a 70-yard run.
Western Carolina finished with a slim edge in total offense, 551-543, but while the Catamounts were remarkably balanced (276 yards passing, 275 rushing), the Mocs tipped heavily toward the air (399 passing, 144 rushing).
Another notable contrast was in how the teams scored. Long drives were the rule for UTC, but none of Western Carolina’s fit that ball — in fact, of the Catamounts’ 13 possessions in all, none lasted longer than 3:08 on the game clock or went more than six plays.