Mocs Grinding to Stay Perfect in the Southern Conference

October 27, 2015

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF) The Chattanooga Mocs are tied for the top spot in the Southern Conference with a 4-0 league record. But staying perfect hasn’t been easy. UTC’s conference games have been dogfights, and the Mocs don’t expect that to change.
The Chattanooga Mocs had won 10 straight SoCon games going to Wofford, so head coach Russ Huesman wasn’t too surprised his team managed to pull out a tough, 20-17 victory.

"Four years ago, we wouldn’t have won that game. Somehow, our guys believe they can win. It’s a culture. It’s a belief."

Said linebacker A.J. Hampton-"Back in the earlier seasons we had a few losses by one point or two. Now I feel like we’re more confident."

Huesman says this team has good team chemistry, but he’s quick to add that chemistry only takes you so far.

"Chemistry, you can have it. But if you ain’t got good players, you can be singing ‘Kum ba yah’ all you want, and you ain’t going to win games."

Mocs probably did a lot of singing after beating Wofford as Henrique Ribeiro kicked the game winning field goal as time expired.

Said Ribeiro-"It’s just great seeing all the hard work your team has put in, and the guys giving their hearts out. Then you come in and help them and bring the win for the team. It’s indescribable. It’s like a great feeling."

Added Huesman-"He just has that air about him right now that he feels good kicking."

Western Carolina likely has some of that swagger as they roll into Finley Stadium for the Mocs homecoming matchup.

Said offensive lineman Hunter Townson-"I think they’re playing with a lot more confidence this year. They’ve got some really good players. Their quarterback is really good."

Said Huesman-"We’re expecting this thing to go into the fourth quarter. Pretty tight. Hopefully we can win one at the end."
The Mocs and Western Carolina are scheduled to kick at 2pm. Former Moc Terrell Owens tweeted out that he plans to be in attendance for the ballgame.