After a sub-par performance by their own standards in last week's win over Mars Hill, the Chattanooga Mocs were in need of a statement.  They made one today behind big plays from the defensive line in a 31-21 win at Samford.
 
With 5:04 remaining in the game and Samford's offense on their own 33, redshirt senior Toyvian Brand was able to beat the offensive line and strip the ball from Bulldog's 6-foot-5, 250-pound quarterback Michael Eubank. That resulted in an interception by junior Vantrel McMillan.
 
"I saw the interception and on that play and I was very tired but I had to put in the effort," Brand said. "When I saw him drop and pull his arm back, I just swiped at it. We got after them pretty good today and after that play, it just kind of boosted our confidence a little bit and let us know that we had the game."
 
The next time the defense took the field, they were able to spark another huge play from the trenches.  This time redshirt freshman Isaiah Mack sealed the game with the team's sixth sack of the day.  It was the most in a game for UTC since logging six against Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 18, 2010.   
 
Overall, the Mocs were able to limit Samford's offense, which averaged 51.5 points and 644.0 yards of total offense, to just 21 points and 313 yards.
 
"We do a really good job up front, and Marcus West our defensive line coach and Tony Brown, our assistant defensive line coach do a really good job with those kids," UTC defensive coordinator Adam Braithwaite said. "Up front with Keionta and Josh Freeman, we also had a lot of younger guys step up and make some big plays as well.
 
"Toyvian Brand, who was recruited by Samford, probably made the biggest paly of his career today. Also with Vantrel McMillan, who's a guy just getting his feet wet for the first time and doing some great things. It definitely makes you a better defense when you can get after the quarterback like that."
 
Along with cutting the Bulldog's offensive yards nearly in half, UTC's defense was also able to limit them to just 58 rushing yards, while forcing two turnovers.
 
The defense was also huge factor from a field position standpoint, by never letting the Bulldogs enter the redzone. 
 
After trailing 14-7, the Mocs were able to tie the score with 8:42 remaining in the second quarter and would never relinquished the lead.
 
"We knew that it was just time to make something happen," said junior defensive lineman Keionta Davis. "We had to tighten up and didn't want to lose this game. We turned it into a whole new level after that."
 
Chattanooga's defensive line proved to be a key factor in the conference matchup as they were able to use their pursuit and consistently put pressure on the quarterback.
 
Along with the defensive line making plays, the linebacking corps and secondary were able to keep the Bulldog's offense out of their comfort zone.  Junior Nakevion Leslie and A.J. Hampton both recording double-digit tackles with 11 and 10, respectively. Defensive backs Cedric Nettles and Lucas Webb were also able to contribute with eight and seven tackles.
 
"It was a great performance," Leslie said. "After the first two games, it was a little rough and we had to go out and make a statement. Today was a big statement game for us and I felt like we came out and did that.
 
"We had a great week of practice and did great watching film. Coming in, we knew that it was going to be a challenge, but we knew that we were going to have to play like the way we did.
 
"Our guys up front and made life so much easier for us. Even when they did get a chance to throw the ball, our DBs were out there making plays and doing what they're supposed to do."
 
With the first conference and road win under their belt, the Mocs will have plenty of momentum heading into the next week.
 
"We needed the win big time," head coach Russ Huesman said. "Our guys can respond and come back from not playing well."