2023 Chattanooga Mocs Football
at Wofford – Sept. 30
Gibbs Stadium – Spartanburg, S.C.
Postgame Quotes
Rusty Wright, Head Coach
On how UTC was able to come away with the win after battling with Wofford.
"We had 62 guys that all helped me figure it out. We made a couple plays, made a couple stops, and we didn't change anything. We just went out there and made plays."
On how the team overcame injuries and a 13-6 deficit to get the job done.
"That's going to be every game from here on out in this league. We'll get everybody's best shot, and we took some haymakers in the first half and the third quarter, but this group figured out how to keep playing. That's the thing, it's going to be that way every week. As long as we got one more than they've got moving forward after it's said and done. It was ugly; about as bad as we could play in the first half. Those guys went out and found a way to win."
On who took the leadership role for the team in the second half.
"It was a collective effort. There wasn't panic, there wasn't any complaining, nobody was yelling or screaming, it was just a quiet locker room. I wish we had started a bit better, but I pretty much just told them that hey, it's 0-0. I told them before we came here that it's going to be one of those days, boys. I've got a feeling and I've been doing this for a long time. I knew it was going to be like that and we had to go out and play four quarters to figure it out."
On how big it was for Gino Appleberry to step up in the backfield.
"It was huge. We really have to start getting people back. Obviously he needs to hang onto the ball, and their guy made a good play, but it's huge when you have a kid like Gino. Our guys are really good about stepping up when they need to and doing those things. We just have to keep continuing to do those things."
On the defense's performance in the win.
"What we give up, 13 points? You only give up 13 points, you're going to win a lot of football games. They played fine, but we can get better for sure."
Quay Wiggles, DL, Jr.
On how they were able to wear down Wofford to get the road win.
"We knew coming into this game that we had to play all four quarters, it wasn't going to be just a one quarter game. We couldn't doubt our opponents even though they were 0-4, it didn't mean nothing. We had to play them just like they were 4-0 so we gave them our best shot the whole game."
On how the defense helped get the job done today for the team.
"Even when our offense is down, our job is to get the ball back to them and keep progressing through the game and find a rhythm. In that second half they came back and really got it together, and from there we were just playing off of each other."
On taking on WCU next weekend.
"It's a huge game. I'm looking forward to it. It's Homecoming, there's going to be a lot of excitement and a lot of people around. It's going to be a good game."
Javin Whatley, WR, R-So.
On the offense's slow start to the night.
"We started off very slow, but we knew coming into the game that we were going to get their best shot. It showed. We started off slow and sluggish so we sped it up towards the end."
On if it's hard to get excited about coming into this game when they're 0-4.
"I mean yes they're 0-4, but they have nothing to lose. They coming and giving us their best shot, everytime. We need to be able to handle that and just keep going."
On taking on WCU next weekend.
"Last year they hit us in our mouth, but this year is a new year. I look forward to it. That's just that."
Alex Mitchell, LB, So.
On it just being a tough game all around.
"We started off slow, but overall the defense really showed out tonight and got the job done."
On if the defense has gotten their feet under them now.
"Yeah we really just have gotten our assignments down in practice. We've come together as a whole and really are just playing together as a defense out there. As the season goes on I think we're just going to keep improving and it'll lead to big things."
Chase Artopoeus, QB, Jr.
On the offense's slow start and if it's a good thing to help gain knowledge from moving forward.
"Yeah, I mean you say it's good but it doesn't exactly feel good to go out and do that. We did come out with the win though, so I'm really proud of the guys and proud of the offense, the defense especially, even the special teams. I feel like we all played a solid game, and especially in the second half for the offense."
On if the bounce back helps him with being able to keep his confidence in those kinds of games.
"I don't think we as an offense ever blinked an eye. We always believed we were going to get points, it was just a matter of when. Unfortunately it took a little longer than we liked, but in the end we did put up some points. I think our defense was able to hold them off really well too."
On how Wofford played today defensively.
"A lot of respect to Wofford. I think they are a really good football team, especially their defense. Their defense is a sneaky good defense. Looking at the game film, we knew they were going to be pretty good, and they were pretty sound today."
On taking on WCU next weekend.
"Western Carolina is a great team. It'll be nice to be home. We need to watch a lot of film this week and then get after them on Saturday."
