Editor’s Note: Despite attending both colleges, I didn’t know there were actual, legitimate Chattanooga fans in existence. All three of you managed to point out your injury report, and for that I thank you.
The Tennessee Volunteers (2-3) look to get back on track against in-state FCS opponent No. 12 Chattanooga (3-2). This is a heavily favored matchup for the Vols, despite entering with three consecutive losses. It would be a monumental disappointment for Tennessee to fall to the Mocs, given its advantage in recruiting talent and stature.
Still, Chattanooga has several key players that could contribute against Tennessee. Here’s some to watch for in Saturday’s matchup.
1. QB Jacob Huesman- Jacob Huesman is the starting quarterback for Chattanooga. Russ Huesman is the team’s head coach. See where I’m going with this? The Mocs starting quarterback is the coach’s son– which, if nothing else, should remind you of your childhood Pop Warner football team.
2. RB Richarde Bagley- With Keon Williams out for Saturday’s game, Richarde Bagley has the most yards of any active running back for the Mocs. The true freshman was a two-star prospect for Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Ga., and rushed for 1,682 yards as a senior. He currently has 95 yards on 19 carries.
3. DE Davis Tull- Davis Tull is a two-time SoCon Defensive Player of the Year (as all three Chattanooga fans in existence were quick to point out prior to this updated version). Tull is also a Knoxville native that looks to cap off a four-year career by playing in front of his friends and family at Neyland Stadium. He currently has 22 tackles, nine for loss and five sacks.
4. LB Muhasibi Wakeel- Not only does this guy have an awesome name, he also leads Chattanooga in tackles with 43. Wakeel played in every game the last three seasons and was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Week after posting a career-high 17 tackles against The Citadel in 2013. He will look to bring pressure to quarterback Justin Worley, facing a Tennessee offensive line that’s played as though they’d be better suited in the SoCon themselves.
5. DB Lucas Webb- Lucas Webb leads Chattanooga with three interceptions. The redshirt freshman is tied for eighth in the conference. On Saturday, Webb will face a talented Tennessee wide receiving corps that will provide a tough matchup.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
