Journey Wyche
Photo by: Laura O'Dell
10/26/2026 10:17:00 AM | Football
Kicker Jude Kelley aided the Chattanooga Mocs in being lauded Monday morning as the Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week for their dominating performance at Western Carolina.
The Chattanooga Mocs put together a stellar performance this past weekend at Western Carolina earning Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week honors. The Mocs dominated both sides of the ball up front in a 41-18 road win against a Catamounts squad that had been invincible at home in 2026.
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The offense ran for 295 yards behind a physical offensive front. Kevin Lalin (135 yds) and Journey Wyche (105) both topped the 100-yard mark for the second time in the same game this season as the Mocs racked up five rushing scores for the first time since 2019.
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Defensively, the Catamounts were stymied until a late fourth quarter touchdown. That came on an 88-yard drive after a 27-0 run had put the game away. The Cats had 143 yards of total offense in the final 6:30 after the Mocs limited them to 207 through the first 53-plus minutes of the game. It was an offense that ranked highly in several categories and were averaging 49.0 points per game at home.
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Not to be outdone, special teams had a hand as well. Graduate kicker Jude Kelley nailed a school-record 57-yard field goal to end the second quarter sparking the 27 straight points. He tied the score 10-all at intermission. The Mocs got the ball to start the second half and scored in four plays to set the tone for a Homecoming spoiling performance in the Smokies.
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It is the first such honor for the program.
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Quotable
"It was a great week of preparation that paid off. Hats off to our coaches on both sides of the ball developing winning game plans. Then our players did a great job coming together and executing at a high level against a good opponent in a hostile environment." – Coach Rusty Wright
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Up Next
The Mocs are at home the next two weekends with three SoCon games remaining. This week is Senior Day with VMI coming to town before Mercer follows for Homecoming to open the November slate with that contest being picked up on the SoCon Nexstar TV package.
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Football Ticket Quick Links – Mini-Plans | Game
As always, for all Mocs and McKenzie Arena events, go to GoMocs.com/tickets. Football mini-plans and single-game tickets are available with season tickets on sale as well for men's and women's basketball along with wrestling. The Arena also has Leanne Morgan's "The Time of Our Lives" Tour available.
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GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Wear what the teams wear in our BSN Team Store or go to the bookstore's official True Spirit Stop. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook, X & Instagram accounts. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here & by checking out NIL possibilities here.
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The offense ran for 295 yards behind a physical offensive front. Kevin Lalin (135 yds) and Journey Wyche (105) both topped the 100-yard mark for the second time in the same game this season as the Mocs racked up five rushing scores for the first time since 2019.
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Defensively, the Catamounts were stymied until a late fourth quarter touchdown. That came on an 88-yard drive after a 27-0 run had put the game away. The Cats had 143 yards of total offense in the final 6:30 after the Mocs limited them to 207 through the first 53-plus minutes of the game. It was an offense that ranked highly in several categories and were averaging 49.0 points per game at home.
Â
Not to be outdone, special teams had a hand as well. Graduate kicker Jude Kelley nailed a school-record 57-yard field goal to end the second quarter sparking the 27 straight points. He tied the score 10-all at intermission. The Mocs got the ball to start the second half and scored in four plays to set the tone for a Homecoming spoiling performance in the Smokies.
Â
It is the first such honor for the program.
Â
Quotable
"It was a great week of preparation that paid off. Hats off to our coaches on both sides of the ball developing winning game plans. Then our players did a great job coming together and executing at a high level against a good opponent in a hostile environment." – Coach Rusty Wright
Â
Up Next
The Mocs are at home the next two weekends with three SoCon games remaining. This week is Senior Day with VMI coming to town before Mercer follows for Homecoming to open the November slate with that contest being picked up on the SoCon Nexstar TV package.
Â
Football Ticket Quick Links – Mini-Plans | Game
As always, for all Mocs and McKenzie Arena events, go to GoMocs.com/tickets. Football mini-plans and single-game tickets are available with season tickets on sale as well for men's and women's basketball along with wrestling. The Arena also has Leanne Morgan's "The Time of Our Lives" Tour available.
Â
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Wear what the teams wear in our BSN Team Store or go to the bookstore's official True Spirit Stop. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook, X & Instagram accounts. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here & by checking out NIL possibilities here.
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Players Mentioned
Tuesday, October 20
Saturday, October 10
Tuesday, October 06
Tuesday, September 29
