SCHEDULE | TICKETS
 
CHATTANOOGA---The 8th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs took some time to share their thoughts on this week's contest at Tennessee with a large contingent of local media. Fans can see those stories told by the Times Free Press and all three network television stations – WDEF (Ch. 12), WRCB (Ch.  3) & WTVC (Ch. 9) as well as the radio networks present.
 
They can also read on and see for themselves here. Coach Rusty Wright was joined by defensive tackle Marlon Taylor and quarterback Chase Artopoeus. The senior duo has quite the opportunity ahead if you listen to the preseason pundits.
 
Taylor is the preseason Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He's on the major NFL Draft Watch Lists from the Reese's Senior Bowl to the Shrine Bowl 1000. Artopoeus is in the spotlight too as one of the early favorites for the Walter Payton Award given by Stats Perform to the top offensive performer in the FCS being joined on the list by junior wideout Javin Whatley.
 
This is the sixth opening kickoff of the Rusty Wright Era. It's the first against an FBS opponent since 2014. That season, the Mocs dropped a narrow 20-16 decision at Central Michigan. That campaign saw a SoCon Championship brought home to the Scenic City as well as 10 wins and an FCS Playoffs quarterfinal appearance.
 
The press conference began with Wright.
   
Taylor was next followed by Artopoeus.
 

 
Kickoff Saturday is at 12:45 p.m., on SEC Network.
 
Weekly Releases - Monday
 
NOTES

• Taylor, TE Jay Gibson and RB Lance Jackson are the only three players left on the roster to have been on every roster of the Rusty Wright Era (6th season).
• Almost a quarter of Taylor's tackles a year ago were for loss: 7.0 (5.0 sacks) from the nose.
• Artopoeus (2,672) and Luke Schomburg (517) combined for 3,189 yards passing in 2023. That's the third highest total in school history behind 3,730 in 2000 and 3,591 in 1999. The 8.31 yards per pass is second only to 8.45 in 2022.

 
2024 PREVIEW SERIES
June 5: QB – Y2Chase | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
June 12: RB – Uncertain Certainty | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
June 19: WR – All Growns Up
June 26: TE – One More Year | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 3: OL – Who's Next | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 10: DB – Let's Stay Together | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 17: LB – Stocked Up | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 24: DL – Emerging | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 31: ST – Reset | Meet the Mocs Radio Interview
 
TICKETS ON SALE
Season Tickets are the best option for Mocs fans. Prices start at $60 for general admission. Mocs Club members have the option for reserved seats beginning at the $250 donation level which includes a season parking pass to go with the season ticket. Other choices:

• 3-game mini-plans | Link
• Single Game | Link
• A voucher for tickets is at each of the five branches of the Chattanooga Public Library.

 
MOCS PICKED TO WIN SOCON TITLE
The Mocs claimed five first-place votes for a total of 61 points in a preseason poll of Southern Conference head coaches. A maximum of 80 was available as the Mocs were either one or two on every ballot. Furman was second including three top votes with Western Carolina in third with the other. Mercer was next followed by Samford, ETSU, VMI, Wofford and The Citadel. Ten student-athletes made the preseason all-league squad with four on the first team: DT Marlon Taylor (Preseason DPOTY), OL Reid Williams, DB Jordan Walker and WR Javin Whatley.
 
PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
Stats Perform: DT Marlon Taylor (2nd), WR Javin Whatley (2nd)
FCS Football Central: DT Marlon Taylor (1st), WR Javin Whatley (1st), OL Reid Williams (2nd)
Phil Steele: DT Marlon Taylor (1st), WR Javin Whatley (2nd), OL Reid Williams (2nd)
 
WATCH LISTS
Walter Payton Award: QB Chase Artopoeus, WR Javin Whatley
Senior Bowl: DT Marlon Taylor, DB Reuben Lowery III
Shrine Bowl 1000: DT Marlon Taylor, WR Javin Whatley
 
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