Football is Back: Who is UTC?

It's go time.

Football is back!!! The Bulls are facing the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs in the 1st game of the season (yes, the Mocs) to get the 2012 season started.  The Mocs, out of the Southern Conference (Division II) went 5-6 last season (3-5 in league play) and are 488-498 all time in their program's history (got to love opening up with the D2 programs).

The Mocs played against one division I foe last year, falling 7 to 40 to Nebraska in last year's season opener.  They are returning 17 starters, 8 on offense, 8 on defense, and just 1 on special teams.  UTC is a very experienced team, but is still young, using a lot of young players last season.  They will only have 7 seniors on the roster so it is still a team learning on the job.  Compare the 7 seniors on their roster compared to the 24 seniors the Bulls have, the experience is all in favor of USF.

The Mocs have 8 returning starters on offense.  UTC runs a multiple set offense, using one tight end, a running back, and a fullback in the backfield.  The typically run with a slot receiver, a flanker that can be brought in motion or kept to the outside, and a split end that can line up at the line or out wide at receiving, giving first year defensive coordinator Chris Cosh multiple formations to prepare for in this opening game.  The Mocs averaged 25.9 points per game (playing mostly against Southern Conference opponents of course).  They totaled 144.4 yards a game on the ground and 175 yards a game through the air, bringing a balanced attack.  They only had 33 yards of penalties (per game average) against them last season and averaged 31 minutes of possession per game, showing a very disciplined team that can control the clock and move the ball in both areas of the game.  The Bulls defense will need to prepare for the multiple looks the Mocs can bring to the field and will need to slow down their rushing attack that can eat up the clock and shorten a game for an opponent.

On defense, the Mocs run a standard 4-3 defense.  Last season, they allowed 19.7 points per game.  They gave up 140.8 yards a game through the air, but allowed 164.5 yards a game on the ground.  They were also one of the best defenses in the Southern Conference in quarterback sacks, meaning the USF tackles (Williams and Eatmon) will have to protect Daniels in the backfield.  The Bulls should be able to have a lot of success on the ground running the ball and look for the speed backs (Lamar, Shaw, and Davis) to get a lot of carries in this game.

This is going to be an interesting first game of the season for the Bulls.  While they should handle business, UTC is a bit different than last year's FCS opponent, FAMU.  UTC can run the ball, has a gifted quarterback, and it will be the first real action for a lot of young Bulls players and a few players that will be getting their chance in this game.  The team will need to remain focused, come out, execute, and handle their business.