Authored By seanphippster

It’s time to rally, Chattanooga.

When the Mocs play host to Indiana State Saturday, it will be the first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoff game ever played at Finley Stadium. And it’s only the second time the Mocs have appeared in postseason play since 1984.

The game-scheduled for 1 p.m.-has been rolled into Mainx24 festivities, and every Chattanoogan is encouraged to attend to show their support for what could be the biggest football game in the history of the university.

Tickets are still available from $10 to $30 per seat. Click here for information.

On the field, the Mocs have had a heck of a year, winning the Southern Conference Championship and an automatic bid for the FCS playoffs.

But the other story is the support of the fans.

According to a release from UTC’s University Relations, the Mocs lead the Southern Conference in home attendance, averaging 10,492 in their five home games. That number is larger than seven of the top 10 ranked FCS teams in the nation, falling behind only North Dakota State and Jacksonville State.

Head coach Russ Huesman is now in his sixth year with the Mocs. The program only won 37 games total in the 11 years prior to his arrival in 2009. Since then, the team is 40-28 overall and 30-17 in Southern Conference action.

During a news conference Tuesday, Huesman said he was optimistic about Saturday’s game.

“We’re excited to play Saturday,” he said. “We’re looking forward to playing. We’re playing a good team, and sometimes people don’t realize how good a team you’re playing.”

He referenced Indiana State’s “hard schedule” against top 25 teams throughout the year.

“They were extremely competitive,” he said. “They lost to Illinois State on a last-second field goal after going up with 1:13 to go in the game. We’re playing a good team.”

Which is why a rally from Chattanooga fans would provide a major boost for the team.

Chuck Cantrell, associate vice chancellor for communication and marketing at UTC, is a huge Mocs football fan. He said support is imperative on Saturday.

“We are so excited and proud for our football Mocs,” Cantrell said. “They have been doing their part on the playing field, and our fans have been great and coming out to games in record numbers. Now, we need Mocs fans to come out again and really cheer for the hometown team.”

UTC’s colors are navy and old gold. You can purchase all the apparel you’ll need at the UTC Mocs Bookstore.