The third-ranked Chattanooga Mocs are back on the road this week, visiting ETSU for the first time in 13 years. Game time is set for Noon (E.D.T.) on Saturday, Oct. 1, at Tipton Stadium at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tenn.
Chattanooga is off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 1979, but is 2-0 in SoCon action for the third year in a row. ETSU is in its second season of competition after restarting its program in 2015. The Bucs are 2-1 overall and 1-1 in league play, including a 34-31 win against Western Carolina in Week 3.
The Mocs maintain their No. 3 national ranking in the FCS Coaches Poll. That ties a school record set during the week of last year’s Mercer game on Nov. 7. Chattanooga is also No. 5 in the STATS FCS Top 25, the other poll officially recognized by the NCAA.
ETSU was receiving votes in both polls following its 2-0 start. The Bucs dropped off the list after last week’s 31-0 loss at Wofford.
Chattanooga rolls out its vaunted defense that is No. 1 in the nation in points allowed (8.8) and 3rd down conversions (15.5%). The Mocs are also No. 2 in the country in total defense (200.5), third in rushing defense (57.8) and fourth with 15 sacks.
UTC is trying to go 5-0 for the first time since 1979, head coach Russ Huesman’s sophomore year. Ironically, ETSU snapped that winning streak with a 35-0 victory in Johnson City.
Although Chattanooga owns a 20-18-1 advantage in the all-time series, the Bucs were 9-3 against the Mocs from 1992-03. UTC has not won in Johnson City since a 17-14 victory in 1997.