UTC running back Keon Williams is looking forward to playing well for the homecoming crowd today against VMI.
UTC head coach Russ Huesman directs players on the sidelines during the Mocs' home football game against the Gamecocks on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn.As the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga acknowledges its past by welcoming back alumni for this weekend's homecoming ceremonies, the Mocs football team will be focused on the present. UTC can take another step toward its first outright Southern Conference championship and playoff berth in 30 years with a win over VMI this afternoon.
It's the first meeting for these programs since 2002, and beating the Keydets, who left the SoCon to compete in the Big South for 11 seasons, would give the Mocs their first 2-0 start to the conference season since 1984.
"Homecoming always brings more people back, and you want to play well for those fans," UTC running back Keon Williams said.
Although looking for its first conference win since rejoining the league this year, VMI has the SoCon's top passing attack, its 298-yards-per-game average ranking eighth among FCS teams.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Al Cobb has three of the SoCon's four 300-plus yard passing games this season and has accounted for 15 plays of 20 or more yards, and the Keydets as a team have 38 plays of 20-plus yards, including kick and punt returns.
"They've got big-play potential, so they're a dangerous team," said UTC defensive lineman Keionta Davis. "We're just ready to get back out there and show that we're improving, to show people how hard we're working on both sides to be a good team."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.