SATURDAY'S WIN | SCHEDULE | TICKETS
 
CHATTANOOGA---The 11th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs 31-0 win over Wofford was a definitive beginning putting the good guys atop the Southern Conference standings from the start. Sophomore defensive back Reuben Lowery III earned SoCon Defensive Player of the Week honor for leading that superlative effort.
 
"Reuben is one of those guys who works hard and is about all the right things," Coach Rusty Wright shared. "Shutouts are not easy, especially in league play. I'm proud of the performance, and it's great to see someone like Reuben rewarded for his play."
 
Lowery's second quarter pick 6 was his first career interception. His 45-yard return is the longest pick 6 since Lucas Webb's 71 yarder in 2015 FCS Playoff win over Fordham. It was the longest against a SoCon opponent since 70 yards by Wes Dothard in 2013 triumph at Samford. He added five tackles.
 
It was the first shutout in an opener since 66-0 win over Shorter on Sept. 1, 2016. Against a DI opponent? That's a 27-year trip back to the 41-0 triumph over Charleston Southern on Chamberlain Field on Sept. 2, 1995. The defense allowed 230 yards on the day and just 3.5 yards per play limiting the Terriers to 97 yards on 45 rushes (2.2 per carry) and 133 passing yards on 14 of 21 passing. The Mocs collected three turnovers with an interception and two fumble recoveries.
 
The offense was on point as well averaging 7.22 yards per play (50-361). It's the fifth time since start of 2019 season averaging 7.0 or more yards per play with a high of 8.18 (72-589) against Western Carolina in 2019.
 
That included running for 190 yards led by AIlym Ford's 156 with two touchdowns. The offense posted 190 or more yards 15 times in 29 games under Rusty Wright including nine of the last 11. This week was done behind an offensive line with four new starters on it and the one returner (McClendon Curtis) moving from right guard to left tackle.
 
This week's trip to Charleston is the first of two forays into the state of Illinois over the next three weeks. Eastern Illinois awaits after a narrow 34-27 loss at FBS opponent Northern Illinois.
 
"It's a much-improved football team," he began. "It's not the same team we played in 2019. They have players at every level. When you watch them play against Northern Illinois, you see the passion and intensity they played with.
 
"We will have our hands full when we get up there on Saturday night. It's gonna be a hard-fought game."
 
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased at the link above or by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627). There's a 4-game mini season ticket available for $45 (general admission). Single-game sales start at $15. Visiting tickets can be purchased through the opposition websites with this week's trip at eiupanthers.com.
 
MEDIA
TV - ESPN+: EIU Crew: Mike Bradd (PxP), Dave Kidwell (Analysis)
 
Radio - WFLI 96.1 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
 
2022 WEEKLY HONORS
Week 1: Reuben Lowery III, SoCon Defensive Player of the Week
 
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