STATS | MERCER | TICKETS
 
CHATTANOOGA---The 19th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs and this week's opponent, the Mercer Bears, have a couple of things in common. Both share the Southern Conference lead in the standings with ETSU at 5-1. Both also control their own destinies in the race to the league's FCS Playoffs automatic bid.

The Mocs own a win over ETSU and the Bears and Bucs match up in the regular season finale. But enough about next week, this one is scintillating enough as it is.
 
Chattanooga jumped six spots in the AFCA Coaches Poll after last Saturday's 35-10 win at Wofford. Mercer took the week off to prepare for the arrival of one of the best defenses in college football. The numbers are staggering.
 
The Mocs lead the league in total defense (276.1 ypg), rushing defense (105.7) and scoring defense (17.1 ppg). Add in turnover margin (1.11), interceptions (14), third-down conversions (28.6%), sacks (3.0) and tackles for loss (7.1). The group is top 10 nationally in turnovers (2nd), interceptions (3rd), third downs (8th) and total D (9th).
 
It's also on a pretty epic run. Samford (131), Furman (47) and Wofford (9) COMBINED for 187 yards in the air over the last three weeks. That's the fewest since 154 from Sept 8-22, 1977: at Western Kentucky (81), at App State (17) & Furman (56).
 
That's a pass defense that actually trails the rushing numbers for the year. The Mocs shut down on both facets is, well fascinating. Opponents are averaging 162+ yards per game TOTAL over the last three with 487 yards between the Bulldogs (200), Paladins (151) and Terriers (136).
 
That'll get put to the test this weekend. Mercer averages a robust 34 points per game with nearly 427 yards of offense each week. That includes almost 237 yards per game on the ground to go with one of the most efficient passing games in the league.
 
While we could wax poetic on the defense all day long, the offense is growing more and more balanced in its threat each week. The 270 yards on the ground Saturday was offset by 200 in the air. The play of the game was a 44-yard catch-and-run touchdown connection between Cole Copeland and Chris James.
 
The offensive line really drives the unit. Key numbers include the group ranking No. 4 nationally in time of possession (33:55) and sacks allowed (0.78) and 10th in tackles for loss allowed (3.89). All three lead the league as well.
 
The game is a 3 p.m., kickoff on ESPN+. Links to TV, live stats and the Mocs Sports Network radio call are accessible on GoMocs.com.
 
TICKETS
Mercer tickets can be found here or on the GoMocs.com football schedule page. Home tickets are available by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627) or online here at GoMocs.com. Fans also can go through the GoMocs app available on Android and Apple IOS devices in their respective app stores.
 
MEDIA
TV - ESPN+: Frank Malloy (PxP), Jason Patterson (Analyst) & Kristin Banks (Sideline)
 
Radio - WFLI 97.7 FM/1070 AM: Jim Reynolds (PxP), Todd Agne (Analysis) & Will Poindexter (Sideline)
 
Listen Live - Radio broadcast is available for free online at GoMocs.com & on the Varsity Network App
 
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.