Chattanooga is ranked No. 10 in this week’s Stats Perform FCS Top 25 media poll despite not making the playoffs since 2016.
Mercer is ranked No. 11 in this week’s Stats Perform FCS Top 25 media poll despite never making the playoffs after reinstating its football program in 2013 after a 72-year hiatus.
Yet these are two teams not only viewed as playoff-worthy but good enough to win a couple of games in the bracket (matchups pending). They look to deliver on that hype when they meet up this week in Chattanooga. The winner is positioned to win the SoCon, although both have challenging games remaining in the competitive league. And with how they’ve fared so far this season, a seed looks likely for the SoCon champ. Multiple bids also look promising for the conference gaining back national respect (three SoCon teams ranked in the media poll with Samford at No. 15, plus Furman just outside of the Top 25).
No. 10 Chattanooga
The Mocs have yet to lose to an FCS team, sitting at 5-1 overall with the loss to FBS Illinois.
Their Massey strength of schedule is 39th in the subdivision. In the five wins vs. FCS foes (Wofford, EIU, North Alabama, ETSU, VMI), Chattanooga has outscored its opponents 175-63. The Mocs are still searching for their first ranked win, but a No. 39 SOS is respectable, especially with the dominating performances.
Chattanooga is 10th in FCS scoring defense (15.7 PPG). It starts up front with All-American DT Devonnsha Maxwell, who already has seven TFLs and 4.5 sacks. Ben Brewton is another experienced player on the defensive line, plus LBs Kam Jones and preseason All-American Ty Boeck play a big part in Chattanooga’s No. 11 rushing defense (90.0 YPG).
The Mocs are averaging 29.2 PPG on offense. Establishing the run is what they first want to do behind All-American OL McClendon Curtis and standout RB Ailym Ford (700 yards rushing, 5.5 YPC, 7 TDs). But the unit has gotten more vertical through the air, averaging 222.0 passing yards per game to 178.2 on the ground. QB Preston Hutchinson, a transfer from FBS Eastern Michigan, is completing 62.6% of his passes for 1,317 yards, eight TDs, and five interceptions. Chattanooga is balanced in its passing attack, with three pass-catchers (Jamoi Mayes, Sam Phillips, Javin Whatley) all having over 200 yards receiving.
The challenges don’t stop after this matchup, as Chattanooga plays at No. 27 Furman, at The Citadel, vs. No. 15 Samford, and at Western Carolina to finish the regular season. Beating Mercer solidifies the Mocs as a Top 10 FCS team, but avoiding those classic SoCon “upsets” will be key to earning a first-round bye.
No. 11 Mercer
Mercer is also undefeated vs. FCS opponents and has one FBS loss to Auburn. The Bears have dominated their FCS competition (Morehead State, The Citadel, Gardner-Webb, Wofford, WCU, ETSU) in a solid strength of schedule that Massey ranks 36th, outscoring them 271-73.
The defense ranks No. 12 in points allowed per game (16.4). Mercer allows just 109.6 rushing yards per game (No. 20 in the FCS), a key figure in this matchup vs. Chattanooga. Isaac Dowling is a multi-year standout at LB for the Bears, and he leads that unit with 62 tackles, nine TFLs, one sack, and two interceptions.
Offensively is where the Bears have taken a giant step forward. They are No. 6 in the FCS, scoring 41.0 PPG. Fred Payton has elevated his play dramatically from a year ago, completing 67% of his passes for 1,816 yards, 21 TDs, and just one interception. Maybe it’s no coincidence his last name is Payton? Ty James and Devron Harper are two explosive playmakers on the outside, combining for 67 catches for 1,084 yards and 15 TDs. Harper’s eight receiving touchdowns have already set the school’s single-season record.
Mercer is having this level of offensive success without last year’s workhorse RB Fred Davis, who left the team late in the summer. The freshman All-American had 163 carries for 847 yards and 14 TDs last season. Austin Douglas, a transfer from James Madison, has led a balanced rushing attack with 403 yards and five TDs.
The Bears are also searching for their first ranked win of the season to show it is in legit contention for a playoff seed. But just like Chattanooga, there are no gimmes the rest of the way. Mercer goes to VMI, hosts No. 27 Furman, and plays at No. 15 Samford to end the regular season.
