The Echo

Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Casey Green It sure is easy to throw with no one trying to tackle me: Sophomore standout B.J Coleman, who transferred from Tennessee looks downfield surrounded by traffic. The highly anticapated debut was a success, with Coleman throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown. UTC was able to snap a 10 game losing streak with a resounding 30-13 win over Glenville State last Thursday night at Finley Stadium. Over 14,000 fans arrived and were not dissappointed by the former McCallie High School standout.

UTC's football team has created a buzz on campus, and 14,002 fans roaring their approval at Finley Stadium Thursday night was proof of that.

The Mocs matched their win total from 2008 and snapped a 10 game losing streak. The 2009 Mocs defeated Division II Glenville State Thursday night 30-13 in front of a raucous crowd with nearly 2,000 members of the student body on hand. Before the game even started the changes instilled by this new coaching staff were evident.

Head Coach Russ Huesman gave a spirited pep talk to all the fans via the scoreboard jumbo screen before kickoff. He talked about establishing new traditions. Huesman played here from 1978-81 and was a part of championship teams at UTC. His enthusiasm was apparent after his pregame speech to the fans preparing for kickoff.

From the opening kickoff, Glenville State seemed rattled by the enthusiasm of UTC players, coaches, and fans. They took the kick eight yards deep and started at their own 10 yard line. Glenville State, from West Virginia wore blue pants with silver helmets. Their initial possession ended after one first down. After a successful fourth down conversion, Glenville State went to the air. No dice. UTC's Buster Skrine, a junior from Woodstock, Ga., picked off a tipped pass and returned it to the 23 yard line. Then the show started.

B.J Coleman, the sophomore from Chattanooga who transferred from Tennessee looked poised and in command. On his second play as a Moc, he floated a perfect pass that softly nestled into the outstretched arms of senior Blue Cooper from Rome, Ga. setting up a first and goal. On the very next play, freshman Bo Dyer, from Gatlinburg, Tn. would put UTC on the board with a dash off left tackle.

Continued...

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