Photo by: Laura O'Dell
Postgame Quotes - Samford
10/10/2026 2:55:00 PM | Football
2026 Chattanooga Mocs FootballÂ
Postgame QuotesÂ
Oct. 10 – Samford
Chattanooga, Tenn. | FinleyStadium
Rusty Wright, Head Coach
On today's conditions and how the team performed.
"The elements played a big part, but I thought it was the ultimate team game today—offensively, defensively and in the kicking game. The kids did a great job. I don't think we had a turnover today. Playing a game like that without a turnover or anything bad happening in the kicking game, I'll take it. They don't put pictures of wins, so it's a good win."
On today's defensive efforts.
"I said they have a chance to be great [defensive unit]. They're playing like they're capable of playing, but we can't get third-and-15 and then give up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That sustained a drive for them, and those are things we control. We have to be better in that regard because we're going to be in tight football games from here on out. All those little things tend to add up."
On the rain and if it was a factor.
"It was huge. I don't know about you, but I'm soaking wet. The balls were wet, and it was difficult to handle them. They like to throw it and didn't do it like they wanted to. That last field goal was even bigger at that point in time. We've got to figure out a way to get scores, but I just want to take a win and go on."
On stopping the Samford offense.
"Huge. I didn't know what the weather was going to play out like, but I knew whoever got going early was going to have the advantage. That was important for us. The first three times we touched it, we came away with points. That was a big deal, especially today."
Christian Ozane, LB-Sr.
On what worked on the defensive side of the ball.
"Our defensive line did a really good job of getting home. We had great pass coverage all day and we were in the right spots. I think it allowed to just play fast."
On limiting the play from Samford's QB.
"This week, we emphasized not letting the quarterback escape the pocket, running to the ball and hustling. No loafs. Everybody played their part, getting to the ball, tracking the near hip and chasing him down."
On what makes the run game so strong.
"If you stop them one play, they're not going to let you stop them again. They're tenacious, persistent, and they keep getting after it every play. Fighting them back for a whole drive is something other teams don't want to do, and eventually they're going to lay down. Journey, Kevin and the guys up front do a great job. We were going at it in fall camp, so seeing what they're doing out here right now is no surprise."
Devin Lively, C-Sr.
On starting the game with a long scoring drive.
"Nineteen plays, nine minutes and putting it in the end zone—you can't ask for much better than that to start a football game. We had a couple of drives like that last year to start games and didn't put it in the end zone. To do that today was a great way to start."
On running a lot of plays.
"At this point, I think we're pretty used to it, especially up front, with how much we run the ball. We know running the ball means we're going to have time of possession. At the beginning of the season, I was a little tired, but I'm more used to it now."
Jude Kelley, K-Gr.
On kicking in the weather conditions today.
"I got off the bus, looked at the wind and rain, and thought, "Oh, God." But our job is the same whether the conditions are good or not. It's tough out there, especially when the ball is wet. JJ and Heath have both done a fantastic job, not just this season but today specifically. They've been phenomenal over the last couple of weeks."
Zion Rutledge, LB-Sr.
On today's strong defensive effort.
"I want to first give credit to the defensive line. They played their butts off. Those guys work their butts off day in and day out, and they're doing big things for us. It was a great team win, as always."
On the upcoming bye week and its necessities.
"Absolutely [it's a benefit]. We're going to get some people—I'm not going to say healthy—but we're going to get some people recovered. We'll get our legs back under us and be ready to keep working."
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Postgame QuotesÂ
Oct. 10 – Samford
Chattanooga, Tenn. | FinleyStadium
Rusty Wright, Head Coach
On today's conditions and how the team performed.
"The elements played a big part, but I thought it was the ultimate team game today—offensively, defensively and in the kicking game. The kids did a great job. I don't think we had a turnover today. Playing a game like that without a turnover or anything bad happening in the kicking game, I'll take it. They don't put pictures of wins, so it's a good win."
On today's defensive efforts.
"I said they have a chance to be great [defensive unit]. They're playing like they're capable of playing, but we can't get third-and-15 and then give up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That sustained a drive for them, and those are things we control. We have to be better in that regard because we're going to be in tight football games from here on out. All those little things tend to add up."
On the rain and if it was a factor.
"It was huge. I don't know about you, but I'm soaking wet. The balls were wet, and it was difficult to handle them. They like to throw it and didn't do it like they wanted to. That last field goal was even bigger at that point in time. We've got to figure out a way to get scores, but I just want to take a win and go on."
On stopping the Samford offense.
"Huge. I didn't know what the weather was going to play out like, but I knew whoever got going early was going to have the advantage. That was important for us. The first three times we touched it, we came away with points. That was a big deal, especially today."
Christian Ozane, LB-Sr.
On what worked on the defensive side of the ball.
"Our defensive line did a really good job of getting home. We had great pass coverage all day and we were in the right spots. I think it allowed to just play fast."
On limiting the play from Samford's QB.
"This week, we emphasized not letting the quarterback escape the pocket, running to the ball and hustling. No loafs. Everybody played their part, getting to the ball, tracking the near hip and chasing him down."
On what makes the run game so strong.
"If you stop them one play, they're not going to let you stop them again. They're tenacious, persistent, and they keep getting after it every play. Fighting them back for a whole drive is something other teams don't want to do, and eventually they're going to lay down. Journey, Kevin and the guys up front do a great job. We were going at it in fall camp, so seeing what they're doing out here right now is no surprise."
Devin Lively, C-Sr.
On starting the game with a long scoring drive.
"Nineteen plays, nine minutes and putting it in the end zone—you can't ask for much better than that to start a football game. We had a couple of drives like that last year to start games and didn't put it in the end zone. To do that today was a great way to start."
On running a lot of plays.
"At this point, I think we're pretty used to it, especially up front, with how much we run the ball. We know running the ball means we're going to have time of possession. At the beginning of the season, I was a little tired, but I'm more used to it now."
Jude Kelley, K-Gr.
On kicking in the weather conditions today.
"I got off the bus, looked at the wind and rain, and thought, "Oh, God." But our job is the same whether the conditions are good or not. It's tough out there, especially when the ball is wet. JJ and Heath have both done a fantastic job, not just this season but today specifically. They've been phenomenal over the last couple of weeks."
Zion Rutledge, LB-Sr.
On today's strong defensive effort.
"I want to first give credit to the defensive line. They played their butts off. Those guys work their butts off day in and day out, and they're doing big things for us. It was a great team win, as always."
On the upcoming bye week and its necessities.
"Absolutely [it's a benefit]. We're going to get some people—I'm not going to say healthy—but we're going to get some people recovered. We'll get our legs back under us and be ready to keep working."
Â
Players Mentioned
Saturday, October 10
Tuesday, October 06
Tuesday, September 29
Tuesday, September 22
