Mocs Enjoy One of Best Performances of the Year with TO in the House

    Playing Western Carolina seemed to bring out the best in the Mocs, as they posted a dominating 41-13 victory.

Said defensive back Nakevion Leslie-"First, it felt good to be back home. There was great energy by our team. I felt like on both sides of the ball, we came out motivated with a purpose, and we got it taken care of."

    The Mocs appeared to find their offensive groove against Western Carolina, racking up over 500-yards of total offense with two 100-yard rushers.

Said head coach Russ Huesman-"This was one of the best games we had as an offensive line since I’ve been here. Chris (Malone) shuffled some things around. Moved Corey (Levin) back inside to guard. Moved Hunter (Townson) from right to left tackle. Moved Synjen (Herren) over to right guard and put Josh Cardiello at right tackle. Those guys adjusted well, and I think that lineup looked pretty good."

    Running back Derrick Craine had four rushing touchdowns, the most for a Moc since 1982. He now leads the SoCon in rushing with nearly 800-yards.

Said Craine-"For me, my goal was really rushing yards. I wanted to be a thousand-yard rusher."

Added Huesman-"I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. I’m sure there are some people that wouldn’t trade their guy. I wouldn’t trade Craine for anybody in the league."

    Having UTC alum Terrell Owens on hand for homecoming seemed to energize the Mocs. TO even led the team in the Moc Walk prior to kickoff.

Said Huesman-"We do our team meeting and walk out onto the bus to go on the bus right in front of McKenzie Arena. I’m the last one out. As I’m walking out, there’s TO sitting there talking to the police officer that escort us down there. I went what are you doing here. He said I’m going to the Moc Walk. I said, how did you get here? He said I jogged from the hotel up here."