Nebraska Football: 10 Things You Need to Know About Chattanooga

It's not just some nameless, faceless set of robots coming to Lincoln on Sept. 3 to face Nebraska. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs bring their own history and challenges to face the Cornhuskers, and the more you know about them, the better you will understand the game. Or, at the very least, you've got a chance to sound smart at your tailgate. And what's better than that?

They're the MOCS!

They’re called the Mocs

No, that’s not short for Moccasins, and their nickname isn’t a snake. They’re the Mocs, which is actually short for “Mockingbirds.” According to the UTC website, the mockingbird was chosen because “Mockingbirds are fiercely territorial creatures which protect their homes with courage, determination and skill. Those attributes reflect the intellect, spirit and character of UTC student-athletes and alumni.”

So there. They’re the Mocs. Get it right.

The Mocs Quarterback Has Some Skills

Senior signal-caller B.J. Coleman brings some skills to Lincoln. A transfer from Tennessee, Coleman threw for 2,996 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2010. The Mocs' most dangerous offensive threat, Coleman has the potential to give the Blackshirts some trouble...if he stays upright.

The Mocs Can Score Some Points

In 2010, the Mocs weren't shy for putting points on the board. Their lowest offensive output was 14 points, against Wofford, while they topped out at 42 in a win over Western Kentucky. The Mocs even managed 24 points against national champion Auburn. So scoring points has never been the challenge for Chattanooga. 

The Mocs Can Give Up Some Points, Too

While Chattanooga has some prowess in lighting up the scoreboard on offense, unfortunately, that goes both ways. The Mocs didn't hold a team under 10 points in 2010 (and that was The Citadel), and topped out by conceding 62 points against Auburn. Apparently, Chattanooga is a strong play to take the over.

There's a Reason Why Chattanooga Comes to Nebraska

There's just some rules that always apply in college football. One of them is that smaller or lower-division schools can rely on scheduling games against powerhouse opponents in exchange for a large check. That's what happened with Chattanooga, who will be putting $475,000 in the bank for their trip to Lincoln. They went to Auburn last year, and they have games against South Florida, Alabama and Tennessee on the horizon.

But not in the same year, thankfully.

The Head Moc Is at His Alma Mater

Russ Huesman, Chattanooga's head coach, is in his third season at his alma mater, bearing a 12-10 record after posting back-to-back 6-5 records. The year before Huesman took charge, the Mocs were 1-11, and Huesman was named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year in 2009. Before Chattanooga, Huesman was the defensive coordinator at Richmond and Memphis and William and Mary.

The Mocs Bring Back Experience

The Mocs return 38 lettermen from 2010, including 16 starters (eight on defense and eight on offense). In addition to quarterback B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga also returns All-American wide receiver Joel Bradford, All-Conference linebacker Ryan Consiglio and All-Conference defensive back Kadeem Wise.

Unfamiliar Opponent

Nebraska and Chattanooga have never met. In fact, Nebraska has never played a team from Chattanooga's conference, the Southern Conference. This is the second year in a row Nebraska has faced an FCS opponent, however, with South Dakota State on 2010's schedule.

One Moc Has Nebraska Links

Chattanooga running backs coach Jamaal Fobbs will not be stepping onto the field at Memorial Stadium for the first time on Saturday. Fobbs was a tailback for Oklahoma State from 1997-2000, gaining 67 yards and scoring a touchdown in 1999.

Unfortunately for Fobbs, his Cowboys never won in Memorial Stadium. It seems unlikely that streak will be broken on Saturday for Fobbs.

An Investment Opportunity?

Nebraska is a 34.5 favorite over Chattanooga on Saturday. Remember, though, that the Mocs will be Nebraska's first opportunity to try out their offense under new offensive coordinator Tim Beck. Thus, don't be surprised if the starters get a little extra work under game conditions.

And remember what we mentioned earlier about the Mocs giving up a few points?

That combination of factors mean that the score on the NU side of the scoreboard might get a little lopsided, while the Blackshirts should be able to limit Chattanooga's offense. The number is fairly low for an FCS opponent, so the game could provide an investment opportunity for those of you inclined to indulge in such vices.

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