UTC's Jeremiah Hay (28)UTC (5-3, 4-0 SoCon) at WESTERN CAROLINA (6-2, 4-0)
2 p.m. * E.J. Whitmire Stadium at Cullowhee, N.C. * 96.1 FM
THE MATCHUP
It's the first time two Southern Conference teams with at least 4-0 league records have met this late in a season since 2009. Six years ago today, the teams played to determine who would finish in last place in the Southern Conference. Today's winner will need to win only one of its final two SoCon games to wrap up the conference title. UTC has won five straight against the Catamounts, and four in its last five trips to Cullowhee.
ONE TO WATCH
Western Carolina's dual-threat quarterback Troy Mitchell is the league leader in total offense with more than 2,000 yards (1,647 passing). The Catamounts have three backs, including Mitchell, with more than 430 rushing yards this season and two wideouts - Terryon Robinson and Spearman Robinson - with more than 460 receiving yards. But Mitchell is the key to making the offense go.
IN THE END
These are the league's top two offensive and defensive units squaring off, which means turnovers, penalties and special teams likely will play a huge part in deciding the outcome. The Catamounts are a much younger team, which gives the veteran Mocs the advantage in knowing how to handle the emotions of a playoff-type atmosphere. That also helps in understanding the significance of what this game means in terms of playoff chances. The Mocs are healthy and focused, and their defensive line and big-play potential on offense should be just enough to secure the win.
- Stephen Hargis
PREDICTION
UTC 27, WESTERN CAROLINA 21