The Chattanooga Mocs and Mercer Bears meet with everything on the line Saturday. It’s the biggest game of the early Southern Conference schedule with the 11th-ranked Bears (4-0) holding a half-game lead over the Mocs and Samford at 3-0 in league play.
It’s the first highly rated matchup of this kind since the narrow 41-36 loss as the No. 9 team in the country at No. 1 Sam Houston in the 2016 FCS Playoffs. It’s Finley’s highest ranked duo since the No. 6 Mocs and No. 7 Jacksonville State Gamecocks went down to the wire in the 2015 season opener.
It’s a battle of two teams that play strong defense, run the ball well and do a good job of not turning the ball over.
The latter part of that equation could be the difference maker.
Saturday’s broadcast is on ESPN+ and the Mocs Sports Network. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m.