UTC quarterback Jacob Huesman (#14) looks for an open player during their game in Chattanooga on October 4, 2014.Mocs GlanceUTC (3-2) at TENNESSEE (2-3)Saturday, 4 p.m.Neyland Stadium96.1 FM; SEC Network T.V.
It was tough to find fault with any phase of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's dominating 48-point homecoming win over VMI. Even having the chance to shut out a Southern Conference foe for the first time since 2003 slip away in the final 36 seconds didn't dampen the mood for Mocs coach Russ Huesman.
"Our defensive coaches were disappointed," Huesman said afterward. "I wasn't. I'm not out there to embarrass another team. [VMI coach] Sparky Woods is a great coach and a great person. He's done way more in this business than I ever have. Our defensive coaches get bent out of shape. When I was a defensive coordinator I used to get bent out of shape. To me, that's not important."
VMI came into the game with the SoCon's top passing attack, the 298-yards per game also ranking No. 8 nationally and scoring 24.8 points per contest. Keydets quarterback Al Cobb had thrown for 300-plus yards three times and their offense had 38 plays of 20-plus yards.
But the Mocs, who are 2-0 in the SoCon for the first time since 1984, held VMI to 186 yards under that passing average and had given up just 88 yards through the air prior to the final drive. The Keydets also had just one play of 20-plus yards, again coming on the final drive against UTC reserves.
The 165 total yards UTC allowed -- 107 of which came in the fourth quarter -- were the fewest given up to an FCS opponent since 2006. The Mocs defense had four sacks -- two by All America end Davis Tull, six tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries and three turnovers.
The offense, with a revamped line, was just as impressive, rushing for a season-high 322 yards. UTC's 555 total yards were the highest offensive output since 2010 and the 55 points were the most scored under Huesman, and the highest output since a 59-56 win over Appalachian State in 2004.
Mocs injury updates
Senior running back Keon Williams had just one carry for four yards, that coming on the Mocs opening possession, before leaving with a hand injury. Williams did not return, but Coach Huesman said that was merely a precaution.
"Keon hurt his hand two weeks ago," Huesman said. "They padded it up but he took a shot on it again. He felt like he couldn't grip the ball like he needed to. He'll be back. He's fine."
Meanwhile senior receiver/punt returner Tommy Hudson sat out with turf toe. Hudson had been held out of practice earlier in the week and the staff opted to let him rest the injury in hopes he can return this week.
C.J. Board stepped in at punt returner and made the most of his lone opportunity, brining back the only punt that was returnable 41 yards to set up the Mocs' second TD.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.