The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team fell to 4-3 on the season and 2-3 in the Southern Conference with a 45-10 loss at No. 7 Elon today.
The Mocs started off the afternoon with some momentum after a solid defensive play. Sophomore DB Joel Bradford picked off Elon QB Scott Riddle on the first play of the game. Senior Craig Camay converted a 27-yard field goal on the ensuing drive to give UTC a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter.
That was about all the UTC offense could muster for the next three quarters as Elon scored 38 unanswered points to improve to 6-1 on the year and 4-0 in SoCon action. Riddle hooked up with senior Terrell Hudgins for three-straight touchdown plays. Hudgins three TD receptions ties for the most by an opposing receiver in a game in UTC history. Hudgins, the FCS all-time leader in most receiving categories, finished the game with six catches for 74 yards and the three scores.
Riddle was 13-18 for 196 yards, three TDs and one INT. Add that to Thomas Wilson's 3-4 passing for 34 yards and Elon totaled 230 yards through the air, the most allowed by the Mocs this season. Their 388 yards of total offense was also the most allowed by the Chattanooga defense in 2009.
UTC was led by senior WR Blue Cooper's seven catches for 72 yards and one TD. Sophomore B.J. Coleman finished the game 14-30 for 122 yards, one TD and one interception. It was his lowest output of the season and just the second time in 2009 he did not reach the 200-yard passing mark.
Senior Josh Beard did add two more sacks to bring his season total to 9.5. He came into the game leading the SoCon and No. 2 in the nation in sacks on the year. Freshman Josh Williams tied the UTC freshman mark with his fifth sack of the year. The Mocs' five sacks in the game tied for the most allowed by the Phoenix in a game in 2009.
The Mocs return home for the first time in over a month when they host Western Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 31. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. at Finley Stadium. The game against the Catamounts caps off Blue & Gold Week at UTC. The Mocs and Lady Mocs basketball teams will hold their Blue & Gold Tip-Off presented by Praters in the First Tennessee Pavilion next to Finley Stadium at noon prior to the game against WCU.
SCORING SUMMARY:
1st Quarter/11:27: (UTC) Craig Camay 27-yard Field Goal - UTC 3, Elon 0
Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:19
Key Play(s): Took over after an INT by Joel Bradford on the Phoenix 46.
1st Quarter/5:00: (ELON) Scott Riddle 2-yard TD pass to Terrell Hudgins (Shreiner Kick Good) - ELON 7, UTC 3
Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 3:37
Key Play(s): 3/4/30V: Jamal Shuman rushed 14 yards to the UTC 16.
1st Quarter/00:58: (ELON) Scott Riddle 41-yard TD pass to Terrell Hudgins (Shreiner Kick Good) - Elon 14, UTC 3
Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:44
Key Play(s): 2/5/40H: Brandon Newsome rush for 15 yards to the UTC 45.
2nd Quarter/12:21: (ELON) Scott Riddle 5-yard TD pass to Terrell Hudgins (Shreiner Kick Good) - Elon 21, UTC 3
Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 2:28
Key Play(s): 3/15/42H: Riddle 47-yard pass to Scott Camp to the UTC 11.
2nd Quarter/5:33: (ELON) Adam Schreiner 36-yard Field Goal - Elon 24, UTC 3
Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:45
Key Play(s): 3/16/20H: Scott Riddle 32-yard pass complete to Andre Labinowicz to the UTC 48.
2nd Quarter/2:32: (ELON) A.J. Harris block punt returned 35 yards for a TD (Shreiner Kick Good) - Elon 31, UTC 3
Drive: Blocked punt by Darrius McQueen.
3rd Quarter/11:08: (ELON) Scott Riddle 5-yard TD (Shreiner Kick Good) - Elon 38, UTC 3
Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:22
Key Plays: 2/18/36H: Riddle 23-yard pass to Terrell Hudgins to the UTC 41.
4th Quarter/13:13: (UTC) B.J. Coleman 8-yard TD pass to Blue Cooper (Camay Kick Good) - Elon 38, UTC 10
Drive: 14 plays, 50 yards, 6:29
Key Plays: 4/1/41H: Coleman rush for 1-yard to the Elon 40; 4/1/18H: Coleman rush for 2-yards to the Elon 16.
4th Quarter/1:45: (ELON) Thomas Wilson 7-yard TD pass to Jeremy Peterson (Shreiner Kick Good) - Elon 45, UTC 10
Drive: 14 plays, 50 yards, 6:29
Key Plays: 4/1/41H: Coleman rush for 1-yard to the Elon 40; 4/1/18H: Coleman rush for 2-yards to the Elon 16.
