Indiana State at #8 Chattanooga, Saturday, 1:00
Indiana State won their first playoff game since 1983 and they proved to everybody that they belonged in the playoffs. The Sycamores spotted Eastern Kentucky 16 points before a late first half touchdown sparked a 36-0 run to end with a 36-16 victory. Quarterback Mike Perish threw for 407 yards and three touchdowns and he spearheaded the impressive Indiana State comeback.
Now the Sycamores are off to Chattanooga and this is not a good match-up for the Mocs. Chattanooga has won games with their defense this year and rank in the top 15 in pass defense, total defense and scoring defense. But the Mocs will want to avoid a shootout and that is what Indiana State does. Perish can throw the ball all over the field and Coach Mike Sanford is more than happy to work around the passing attack. While Chattanooga has a very talented secondary, most of their defensive success stems from Davis Tull and the pass rushers. Perish and Indiana State can keep the Mocs defensive front four off balance and out of the picture with short, quick passing.
If this game does end up in a shootout it does give the advantage to Indiana State, but Chattanooga has Jacob Huesman. The quarterback can make plays with his arm and his legs. While UTC does prefer to keep the ball in the hands of running back Keon Williams as much as possible, Huesman has had some big games. In the Mocs last contest, Huesman threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 103 yards with two more scores. That may be the type of game Huesman needs against Indiana State if this does end up as a shootout.
Projected Score: Chattanooga 31, Indiana State 28
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