Coming off an 8-5 season and returning a ton of starters while adding numerous transfers, the Chattanooga Mocs figure to have their best team in years, especially under Rusty Wright, which is why they are top 10 in FCS play. After Tennessee Football struggled with the Austin Peay Governors last year, that could be a concern for them.
Unfortunately for Chattanooga, two of their three biggest stars, defensive tackle Marlon Taylor and offensive lineman Reid Williams, play at the positions where the Vols have a decided advantage. Nobody on the Mocs will threaten UT up front. However, the skill players could give them trouble. Here are five Mocs to watch for against the Vols.
5. Chris Domercant
After losing go-to receiver Jamoi Mayes to the Cincinnati Bearcats, Chattanooga needed a new wideout. They went for Stonehill Skyhawks transfer Chris Domercant. Last year, Domercant had 37 catches for 541 yards and five touchdowns and was All-Northeast Conference. At 6’1″ 187 pounds, he will test the UT secondary early.
4. Jordan Walker
With three of four defensive backs returning and numerous FBS transfers there, star safety Jordan Walker should have plenty of chances to make plays. He had five and a half tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a pass breakup in 2023 to go with 73 tackles, 38 of which were solo. If Nico Iamaleava wants to air it out, Walker will be his biggest threat.
3. Kobe Joseph
While the experience in the secondary is the biggest test for Tennessee Football, the Vols need to turn some big runs despite questions at running back. Kobe Joseph could cause problems there. The outside linebacker had six tackles for a loss, two picks, two pass breakups, a hurry and 59 tackles last year, 28 of which were solo. Simply put, he does it all, and he could give Josh Heupel’s offense fits.
2. Javin Whatley
Chattanooga’s one returning all conference skill player, Javin Whatley is the speedster receiver to complement the wideout. In that role last year, he earned All-Southern Conference honors with 55 catches for 977 yards and nine touchdowns. At 5’10” 167 pounds, he can be very sneaky, so he’ll test a questionable Vols’ secondary.
1. Chase Artopoeus
Given the expectations for Chattanooga’s passing game and the questions surrounding Tennessee Football in the secondary, of course the Mocs’ sixth-year senior quarterback will be the most important player. Last year, Chase Artopoeus completed 187 of 298 passes (62.75 percent) for 2,672 yards (8.97 yard per attempt), 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
On top of that, Artopoeus had 59 carries for 226 yards and a touchdown. Simply put, he can test secondaries, and his mobility makes him a bigger threat. Add in his experience, and a UT secondary that’s basically brand new could have its hands full. The Vols’ pass rush should help, but this is a great test to see if Josh Heupel truly has improved the defensive backs.
