University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior quarterback Nick Tiano is the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Month for November, the league office announced today. He is the first Moc to earn monthly recognition from the SoCon since Derrick Craine in October of 2015.
Tiano helped the Mocs to a 2-2 mark in November, wrapping up a 6-6 campaign and a third place showing in the SoCon at 5-3. It was the most league wins for the Mocs since 2016. UTC also led the league in total offense in conference only games, averaging 444.1 yards per game against SoCon competition.
"We are very proud of Nick and this is a well-deserved honor," stated UTC head coach Rusty Wright. "He did an outstanding job for us this season and we look forward to what the future holds for him."
Tiano accounted for 11 touchdowns in four November games, rushing for one score in each contest and throwing for two TDs in three of them.
He ran for 192 yards and threw for 858, averaging 262.5 yards of total offense per game.
Tiano opened his month by passing for 164 yards and a TD in a loss to No. 13 Furman He then rushed for a career-high 100 yards and threw for 296 yards and two scores in a win over Samford the following week.
The senior from Chattanooga, Tennessee, threw for 268 yards and two more TDs in a comeback win at The Citadel. That included the game-winning run from 31 yards out. He closed his month with 230 yards and two touchdowns through the air in a loss at VMI.
Tiano finished his career sixth in school history in total offense yards (6,569), tied for sixth in TD passes (35) and seventh in career passing yards (5,825).
Up next for Tiano is the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 18, 2020. The annual all-star game features a collection of the best seniors in college football, showcasing their skills at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. (E.S.T) kickoff and televised on the NFL Network.
Each of the three previous Mocs who competed in the game are currently in the NFL. Corey Levin, now with the Chicago Bears, represented UTC in 2017. Tae Davis competed in in the 2018 game and is a member of the Cleveland Browns. Current Tennessee Titan Isaiah Mack was UTC's entrant at last year's game.
Season ticket deposits for the 2020 campaign are now being accepted via the tickets tab at the top of GoMocs.com.