GREENVILLE, S.C. - Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive attack weren't having a ton of luck going right at the Furman defense Saturday night.
So they went over the top.
The fourth-ranked Mocs were able to hit on a number of big plays against the Paladins that opened up some space in the running game, and that provided enough of an attack to give UTC a 21-point advantage that turned into a 21-14 win.
The victory gave the Mocs their first 3-0 start since 1991.
"They're a good defense," offensive coordinator Jeff Durden said of the Paladins. "We felt like in the second half we'd give them a little bit more misdirection, which is what we hurt them on in the first half. We also wanted to take some shots down the field with Alejandro; it's what he does best.
"They were playing seven- and nine-man fronts and made us throw the ball."
Bennifield finished with only 11 completions totaling 146 yards, but three of those went for 114 yards and each led to a touchdown. In the second quarter, he scrambled to his left and found C.J. Board for a 33-yard scoring play that gave the Mocs the lead.
In the decisive third quarter, when UTC had 161 of its 281 yards, Bennifield completed all four of his passes for 106 yards, with a 38-yard completion to James Stovall and a 43-yard completion to Xavier Borishade that led to scores.
Running back Derrick Craine benefited from the passing attack, rushing for 55 of his 83 yards after halftime on eight carries.
Board finished with 48 yards on three catches, while Borishade had a pair of catches for 51 yards.
"We always want opportunities like that," Board said. "As a group, we feel like we can make those plays, so it's good."
Mocs by the numbers
Borishade's Saturday production actually dropped his average yards per reception from 39.3 to 35.9. That still leads the country, while his four touchdowns put him in a tie for fourth. Bennifield ranks fourth in passing touchdowns (nine) and touchdowns responsible for (11). The UTC defense leads the country in total defense (164.3), scoring defense (4.7) and passing yards allowed (102.7) while ranking sixth in rushing defense (61.7).
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.