UTC (1-5, 1-2 SOCON) VS. MERCER(3-3, 2-2)
3:30 p.m. › Five Star Stadium in Macon, Ga MyNetwork Chattanooa & 96.1 FM
THE MATCHUP
A week after the University of Tennessee at Chattannoga defense was shredded for more than 400 yards by Furman — the first time a Football Championship Subdivision opponent has topped that mark this season against the Mocs — comes a challenge from a balanced Mercer offense quarterbacked by redshirt freshman Kaelan Riley, who starred at Calhoun High School. After a long suspension, the return of senior linebacker and preseason All-American Dale Warren should help UTC’s defense, which has taken it share of lumps this season. And with UTC’s offense struggling to score, the defense will have to do its part to provide quarterback Cole Copeland and Co. additional opportunities to score. The defense also might just handle some of the scoring itself, as it did when Lucas Webb returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown at Virginia Military Institute in the Mocs’ lone win this year.
ONE TO WATCH
Copeland, the freshman who looked good during the preseason and in-season practices, was inserted into the starting lineup against Furman. The former Bradley Central standout held his own, completing more than 70 percent of his passes for 317 yards and a pair of scores. He also threw four interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, but it will be interesting to see how he performs in his second game, especially against a Mercer defense that leads the league in scoring defense and ranks third in total defense.
IN THE END
UTC coaches are adamant about the progress the Mocs have made this season. The results haven’t always been tangible from the final scores, but players and coaches alike believe everything will come together eventually. The downward spiral didn’t start this season, though — it started last year, when the Mocs lost three of their final four games. Even a win today wouldn’t suggest things have magically changed, but it would provide a result the Mocs, their coaches and their fans could be happy about.