Chattanooga, Tenn. – No. 19 Chattanooga used big plays and a strong defensive effort that produced three turnovers in downing Western Carolina 45-17 on Saturday afternoon in Southern Conference action at Finley Stadium.
 
Among UTC's 271 total rushing yards were three scoring runs totaling 146 yards including rushes of 54 yards, 35 yards, and 54 yards.
 
Stepping in for starting quarterback Rogan Wells who was injured in the first half, Carlos Davis finished 16-27 for 225 yards with two touchdown passes, finding Terrence Horne on a 42-yard strike and Raphael Williams making an acrobatic TD reception in the back of the end zone from seven yards. Ten different receivers caught passes for the Catamount offense with RB Kenny Benjamin leading the squad with five receptions for 29 total yards, adding 27 yards on the ground.
 
WCU turned the ball over three times on offense, however, including two interceptions and a lost fumble.
 
Among the highlights for the Catamounts on Saturday were special teams that saw Calvin Jones return the opening kickoff 87 yards to set up the game's first score on a field goal by Richard McCollum for the early, 3-0, advantage. Jones finished with a pair of returns for 133. Terrence Horne ignited the WCU sideline with a 100-yard kickoff return to the end zone, but saw the play called back on a penalty.
 
Chattanooga quarterback Cole Copeland finished 17-for-29 for 239 yards with two touchdown passes to KeShawn Toney who finished with 49 receiving yards. A trio of running backs finished with scores on the ground including Tyrell Price with seven carries for 82 yards, Gino Appleberry with seven touches for 79 yards and Ailym Ford with 74 yards rushing on 16 carries.
 
Defensive back Jacob Harris led the Catamount defense with seven total tackles including six solo stops with LB Ty Harris finishing with six total hits including a sack. Rod Gattison came up with an interception to go along with five tackles, matching defensive linemen Micah Nelson and Chris Morgan.
 
Western Carolina returns home next Saturday, Oct. 9 for the annual Homecoming game, hosting the Mercer Bears at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field with kickoff at 3:30 pm. For tickets, call (828) 227-2401 or visit CatamountSports.com/buytickets.