2023 Alabama Football Early Opponent Preview | Game 11: Chattanooga

As 2023 SEC Media Days approaches, BamaCentral takes a long first look at each of the Crimson Tide's upcoming opponents this season.

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Nothing like a good 'ole fashioned cupcake to round out a grueling schedule.

For the first time since 2016, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Chattanooga Mocs in Tuscaloosa. Taking the spot of the Crimson Tide's usual bye game the week before facing Auburn, the Mocs will be seeking a David and Goliath upset for the ages after finishing the 2022 season with a record of 7–4, (5–3). As unlikely as that appears to be, Chattanooga looks to be stronger than your traditional FCS opponent. Let's talk about it. 

Offense

It'll be a bit of a new look offense for the Mocs, as their starting quarterback and three of the leading rushers from 2022 saw their eligibility expire. 

Expected to take over the quarterback position is graduate-transfer Chase Artopoeus, who comes over from UCLA after playing four seasons for the Bruins.

It'll be the Ailym Ford show in the backfield for the Mocs, who posted 1,190 yards and 12 TDs on 230 carries in 2022.

Leading the receiving corps are Sam Phillips and Jamoi Mays, who tallied the lion share of receptions for Chattanooga in 2022 — both posting over 40 receptions and 500+ yards, respectively. 

Anticipate a run-and-gun offense from head coach Rusty Wright, who will likely play to the Mocs' strength in the passing game. 

Defense

The Mocs are returning a lot of talent on the defensive side of the football, as cornerback Kam Brown and edge-rusher Jay Person have both been tabbed as 2023 FCS preseason All-Americans. 

Pearson, a senior, had 52 tackles a year ago including 17.5 for loss with 8.0 sacks, leading the SOCON in both categories. 

Brown, a senior and Mobile, Ala. native, had 11 passes defended, finishing top five nationally with six interceptions. 

While the Mocs lose their leading tacklers in linebackers Ty Boeck and Kam Jones, they return breakout candidate Bo Spearman and sophomore standout Alex Mitchell.

Thought the Mocs have to replace some talent in the linebacker room, they'll feel good about themselves on the defensive side of the ball, projecting to be one of the better defensive teams in the SOCON in 2023. 

Schedule

Their matchup with Nick Saban and Alabama will be Chattanooga's final game of the regular season, coming off a bye week on Nov. 11 in preparation. Though the Mocs historically play another power five school early in the season, the Crimson Tide will be the only such team in 2023. 

Alabama will be coming off a matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats, hoping to ease into their Iron Bowl matchup with Auburn on Nov. 25. 

Outlook

Let's be candid for a minute — the Crimson Tide won't lose this game. While you can never pencil in a win, this one won't be close. The Mocs are simply outmatched on both sides of the ball and special teams. That's nothing to be ashamed of, though, as most teams are when lining up against Alabama. Returning a significant amount of talent, Chattanooga will likely be able to hold their heads up high as they compete for a spot in the FCS playoffs. 

Prediction

Alabama 42, Chattanooga 7

Alabama vs. Chattanooga

Everything you need to know about the Crimson Tide's 2023 late-season matchup against the Mocs.

The Game

Date: Nov. 18

Time: TBD

TV: TBD

Location: Bryant Denny Stadium (100,077)

Series: Alabama leads 13-0

Last meeting: 2019, Jalen Hurts led the way with 136 yards and 3 TDs, leading Alabama to a 31-6 victory in Tuscaloosa. 

Marvin Gentry / USA Today Network

The Team

The Coach:  Rusty Wright (4th year, 22-17)

Offensive Coordinator: Joe Pizzo

Defensive Coordinator: Lorenzo Ward

2022 Record: 7-4 (5-3 SOCON)

2022 Rankings: None, but the Wildcats did reach No. 7 after a 4-0 start.

Marvin Gentry / USA Today Network

The School

Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.

Founded: 1886

Enrollment: Approximately 10,781

Nickname: Mocs

Colors: Navy and Gold

Mascot: Scrappy Moc

The Program

Coaching Changes During Saban Era: Four

Last Time Beat Alabama: Never

Last Time Won Conference Championship: 2015

National Championships: None

Playoff Appearances: None

Conference titles: 15, 7 in SOCON

Bowl Appearances: N/A

Last Time Didn’t Play in a Bowl: N/A

Heisman Trophies: None

Consensus All-Americans During Saban Era: None

First-Round NFL Picks During Saban Era: None

2023 NFL Draft: N/A

Last Four Recruiting Class Rankings: No. 181 in 2023. Previously, was No. 172 in 2022, No. 182 in 2021, No. 230 in 2020. 

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

The Schedule

Sept. 2: at North Alabama

Sept. 9: Kennesaw State

Sept. 16: The Citadel

Sept. 23: at Samford

Sept. 30: at Wofford

Oct. 7: Western Carolina

Oct. 14: at Mercer

Oct. 21:  East Tennessee State

Oct. 28: at VMI

Nov. 4: Furman

Nov. 18: at Alabama

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Did you know?

In their 13 matchups all-time vs. Alabama, the Mocs have scored 71 total points. Good for an average of 5.6 points per game. During their three matchups in the Saban era, Chattanooga has only scored three total points. 

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

This is the 11th story in a series previewing Alabama's 2023 opponents:

Middle Tennessee

Texas

South Florida

Ole Miss

Mississippi State

Texas A&M

Arkansas

Tennessee

Kentucky