By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Tomorrow at 1:00, the Chattanooga Mocs will play probably the most important game in the history of the program and certainly their most important game ever played Finley Stadium.

nTomorrow at 1:00, the Chattanooga Mocs will play probably the most important game in the history of the program and certainly their most important game ever played Finley Stadium. This is only the second postseason appearance ever for Chattanooga and the first since 1984. The turnaround since Russ Huesman took over as head coach five years agho has been remarkable and all the hard work is finally coming to fruition.

nHuesman’s own son, Jacob, will lead the Mocs into battle against Indiana State. The junior signal caller has had a year for the ages, thus far, which includes coming in eleventh in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the most outstanding offensive player in FCS football.

nThe men on the opposite side of the ball, however, have been the key to Chattanooga’s success this season. Chattanooga’s defense has allowed the sixth least yards per game in the country and the third least passing yards. They are also in the top 25 in team sacks and the top 20 in third down conversion percentage. Led by senior defensive lineman, Davis Tull, Chattanooga’s calling card has been a stiff defense, and a vicious pass rush. A breakout star has also emerged in the secondary in the form of freshman Lucas Webb, who’s five interceptions are more thanxc2xa0 all but 6 other players in the nation.

nIndiana State poses an interesting matchup for Chattanooga. The Sycamores, led by senior signal caller, Mike Perish, like to spread the defense out and throw the ball all over the place. Perish, ninth in passing yards per game, will have his hands full with Chattanooga’s front seven, though. This game will come down to Chattanooga’s pass rush versus Perish and Indiana State’s offensive line. If Perish is able to sit in the pocket and play catch, it could be a long day for the home team. However, should Tull and the front seven continue to get the same pressure they’ve been getting all year, they ought to be very succesful, particularly against the somewhat interception-prone Perish, who sometimes forces the ball when he gets in hot water.

nExpect Huesman and the offense to do what they’ve done all year, avoid turnovers and score enough points to compete. It will come down to whether or not the defense steps up and makes plays down the stretch against Indiana State’s explosive air raid attack. Judging by the year, they’ve had, that shouldn’t be a problem for Chattanooga’s battle tested defense. There will be tougher games down the road, and they can;t afford to look ahead, but the Mocs should take of business in their first ever playoff game in Finley Stadium.