Know Your Enemy: Chattanooga Mocs
The Vols should be able to use this weekend’s game as a tune-up for a brutal October schedule. PHOTO: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Who: Chattanooga Mocs — Chattanooga, TN
Distance From Knoxville: 112 miles
Head coach: Russ Huesman (6th season, 34-27, 25-17 Southern)
Conference: Southern
2014 Record: 3-2 (2-0)
Ranking: N/A
All time series: Tennessee leads 36-2-2
Last meeting: The Vols won in Knoxville in 1969, 31-0
Leading Passer: Jacob Huesman — 681 yards, 8 TDs, 4 INTs
Leading Rusher: Keon Williams — 75 carries, 314 yards, 4 TDs
Leading Receiver: Tommy Hudson — 13 catches, 182 yards, 3 TDs
Tennessee finally catches a break this weekend, but the Vols better enjoy it, because their brutal schedule picks back up right after this one. And even this Saturday’s game is one the Vols cannot afford to overlook.
The Chattanooga Mocs are a member of the FCS, but FCS teams have taken down their fair share of FBS teams. A young and flaw-filled team like Tennessee cannot take a homecoming match-up with UTC for granted.
The Mocs won the Southern Conference last season with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 conference record. So far this season, they’ve looked just as good, if not better, than last season. Their only two losses have come in close games to Central Michigan of the MAC and a 4-1 Jacksonville State squad, and they’ve won games against Austin Peay, Samford, and VMI by a combined score of 135-37.
One thing is for certain: These Mocs are no pushovers. They are lead by Russ Huesman, an experienced head coach who also played for UTC from 1978-81 as a defensive back. The Mocs feature a solid rushing attack headed by running back Keon Williams, and starting quarterback Jacob Huesman can also run, piling up 258 yards and 4 scores in the Mocs’ 5 games.
That being said, the Vols should still be able to dominate in this game with superior talent and athleticism. The Mocs have playmakers, but nothing like what the Vols have faced the last three games. Wide receiver Tommy Hudson might be the most dangerous weapon on the team, however, as he not only has 3 receiving scores, but he has also returned 2 of his 4 punt returns for touchdowns.
Chattanooga’s defense is a good FCS defense, and in 5 games they have more sacks than the Vols (12 compared to Tennessee’s 11), one less tackle for a loss (41 compared to Tennessee’s 42), and 2 less interceptions (6 compared to Tennessee’s 8).
The one aspect the Vols should be able to own Chattanooga in is on 3rd down. The Vols still lead the SEC in 3rd down defense, holding opponents to a 24.7% conversion rate. The Mocs are only converting on 35.2% of their 3rd down opportunities, which does not bode well for them.
All in all, the Vols should be heavy favorites in this one and should win handily. Butch Jones and his staff should be able to get better looks at guys buried on the depth chart, and starters should be able to get some much-needed rest before traveling to Ole Miss the next weekend. If the Vols don’t win this one easily, expect an even louder outcry from the fanbase the following week.
Of Note: UTC and Tennessee have not met since 1969, but the two teams used to play annually from 1938-66. During those 29 seasons, the Mocs only defeated the Vols once (in 1958). Of the 40 meetings, the Vols have shut out the Mocs 21 times, including their last meeting in 1969.
Chattanooga stats via gomocs.com and series history via collegefootball.bz