Speaking to the media Wednesday at McKenzie Arena, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Rodney Allison said his most basic advice for his team, which opens the 2008 season Saturday at fourth-ranked Oklahoma, consisted of just two words: “Don’t flinch.”

In other words, even though the Mocs are considered major underdogs to the Sooners, who were Playboy’s preseason No. 1 pick, Allison said it was important that UTC stand toe-to-toe with Oklahoma from the outset and go as hard as you can for as long as you can.

“Whatever happens, don’t flinch. Look them in the eye and see what happens,” Allison said.

Other notable moments from the media luncheon:

— Allison said there was a pretty good chance that three UTC quarterbacks would play Saturday. Based on the number of reps the QBs are getting in practice, that means that Jare Gault, Tony Pastore and Sloan Allison will play.

— Offensive lineman William Giles said his left knee is still giving him some trouble, but he hopes to be OK for Saturday.

— Allison said he never got the chance to play at Oklahoma during his career at Texas Tech, but he was recruited pretty heavily by the Sooners and said he took a memorable visit there, though he declined to provide any details.

The Mocs are scheduled to practice this afternoon in shorts and helmets at Finley Stadium and they will do the same thing Thursday before leaving for Norman around midday on Friday.

For more Mocs coverage see tomorrow’s Times Free Press.

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