Defense impressive again
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Week by week, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defense continues to improve and give the offense opportunities.
A week after forcing seven Samford turnovers in a 23-21 upset win, the Mocs held eighthranked Wofford to a season-low 233 yards of total offense in a 24-21 two-overtime loss Saturday at Gibbs Stadium.
“Defensively we played well,” UTC coach Tom Arth assessed. “The entire unit was outstanding. You could see Dale (Warren) and Tae (Davis) making some incredible plays, running down pitches and playing sideline to sideline to sideline, which is an important part of that (linebacker) position. I’m proud of that entire group.”
Davis was credited with 12 tackles, second to defensive end Taylor Reynolds’ 14. Warren had nine, including one for lost yardage. The defensive unit limited the Terriers to their worst offensive performance of the season and second-worst rushing game, with four three-and-outs. One of those was on the Terriers’ final possession of regulation, which led to a blocked punt and ensuing touchdown drive by the UTC offense that forced overtime.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” said defensive tackle Derek Mahaffey, who had nine tackles. “Everybody came in ready to play. Everyone showed up, from the D-line to the secondary to the linebackers. We set the tone early; I felt we were more physical than them, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
In each of the last three games, the Mocs’ defense has given the offense opportunities to win. UTC forced The Citadel into field goals, which led to a 20-14 final score with the Mocs throwing into the end zone for a potential win as the game ended. That was followed up with the seven-turnover performance against Samford that was the Bulldogs’ second-worst offensive performance against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent.
Wofford had rushed for more yards in seven of its games this season than it had total yards Saturday, and its 188 rushing yards were its second-worst performance of the season.
“Oh, those guys are great,” UTC running back Darrell Bridges said of the Mocs’ defenders. “They bowed their necks, and I’d take them against any defense in the conference, any defense in the nation. I’ll put those guys up against any offense and they’ll get the job done. Everybody bends, but they don’t break.”
Closing notes
Bingo Morton’s seven catches were a career high, as were Reynolds’ tackles — his third game in double digits this season, tied with Davis for the team lead in that category. … Bridges has 318 yards rushing in his last three games after 179 in his first six. … The Mocs played without defensive backs C.J. Fritz (injury) and Kareem Orr, who didn’t make the trip for undisclosed reasons.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.