FCS Round 2 Playoffs Furman Paladins Square Off with UT Chattanooga for Right to Advance
Furman Paladins #7 (9-2) come into today’s game versus the Chattanooga Mocs (8-4) in the Round 2 of the FCS Playoffs at Furman Paladin Stadium. They are expecting a huge crowd today even with the overcast skies and chance of rain in the forecast. The winner today will face the winner of the #2 Montana versus Delaware game played at 9pm tonight.
Tyler Huff returns today for Furman at QB after being out the last few games for Furman, as does Dominic Roberto at running back who was able to rest himself from season bumps and bruises. The defense lead by Jack Barton, Matt Sochovka, and Travis Blackshear will be tested today by a great UT Chattanooga offense lead by QB Chase Artopoeus. (Game Feed)
The game starts as Furman marches down the field but after a interception the Mocs take over and are, marching down the field are in the red zone. The Mocs get a touchdown and its 7-0 with UTC in the lead as we head to commercial break. Furman now will get the ball back and I’m sure Tyler Huff wants to make up for the interception that led to the TD for the Mocs. Furman takes over at the 25-yard line, Furman now has gotten two huge first downs and is at the UTC 41-yard line. Furman has to punt and gets the ball downed at the 1-yard line as UTC takes over.
UTC takes the ball to the 10-yard line, and we are waiting for a review, and it stands but not confirmed which gives the Moc’s the first down at the 12-yard line. The Mocs after a fumble but recovered are now 3rd and 9 from the 12 and Furman holds, and UTC has to punt the ball. It is the end of the quarter with the Moc’s winning 7-0 with Furman taking over at 40-yard line.
Furman takes the ball right down the field with some very quick passes by Huff gets them down to the 15, and then a huge bruising run by #8 Roberto gets them down to the 4-yard line and its first and goal. after two runs its 3rd down at the 1-yard line for Furman. Furman scores the touchdown as Dominick Roberto hits the RB dive over the left side. Furman goes to get the extra point and its good we have a tie ball game 7-7.
UTC takes the ball and heads right down the field into Furman territory, but gets a penalty and its 3rd and 10 as the QB has to scramble and almost throws a INT, its 4th down and a punt up and coming. Furman will take over at the 7-yard line as we go to a timeout on the field. Furman takes the ball and quickly gets into Mocs territory as Hicks runs it to the 45. The Paladins decide to go for it with 1 yard to go but Huff is sacked and it’s a turnover on downs. UTC has no luck with getting the ball down the field and will punt away with 1:30 left in the game and the Paladins take a time out. Furman takes over at the 30-yard line and are going to get a pass complete up to the 50-yard line with 1:16n left in the game. Huff gets a pass down to the 31-yard line to #9, another pass to #9 Anderson and the ball is at the 26-yard line and it’s a time out on the field. Furman with 30 seconds left will go for a field goal a 44-yard line and its 10-7 Furman in the lead.
Halftime news and notes: Furman 10-7 lead, with 10 first downs, 19-114 yards, 102 passing yards, 10-17-1 total offense 39-216 yards. 1-1 on red zone chances with 7 points, with Furman holding the ball for 14:39 minutes.
The Mocs take the opening kick and start their march down the field to only punt the ball to Furman who also is unable to get the ball moved down the field. Travis Blackshire gets a huge interception and runs it back to the 2-yard line and Dominick Roberto gets the touchdown and its 17-7 Furman in the lead.
Furman is able to stop UTC and gets the ball back after a great punt, the ball is at the 38-yard line. Furman takes the football down and kicks a field goal and its good its 20-7 Paladins in the lead over the Mocs of Chattanooga. 6:03 left in the 3rd quarter.
Furman now has the ball again with 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, Furman gets a huge pass which takes them down to the 24-yard line. Furman is called for a hold and its 1st and 20 as the quarter ends with Furman in the lead 20-7 over the UT Mocs. Furman intercepts the ball and runs it back to the 6-yard line and the Paladins with 12 minutes left in this game seem in control and the fans are really excited now.
The Paladins get the ball and get yet another field goal and the score is now 26-7, the Paladins are holding the Mocs from trying to get back in this game. UTC has the ball 3rd and 2 with 7:30 left in the 4th quarter of play. Mocs will kick and make Furman earn the win from its 15-yard line.
After a penalty, Furman will take over at the 8-yard line, They are not able to get the ball to a first down and kick away to the 17-yard line. UTC takes over with 45 seconds left and the Furman Paladins are winners of the game.
