WCU Preseason Preview: Game #4 - Montana Griz

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of  Western's 2024 football opponents. For the season's fourth game, the Catamounts travel to Missoula, Montana to face the 2023 Big Sky champions, the Montana Grizzlies. 

The Griz completed the 2023 season with a 13-2 overall record and a Big Sky Championship, with a 9-0 record in the Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

  Game #4  - Montana Griz     

When: Saturday, September 21, 2023

Time: 3:00 pm (ET) - 1 pm (MT)
Where: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula Montana
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
   -Play-by-Play: Gary Ayers • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

Conference: Big Sky

Students:  10,962

Colors:  Maroon and Silver

Nickname:  Grizzlies

Fan Message Board: eGriz.com

The Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams on the football field.

Head Coach: Bobby Hauck became the 37th head football coach at the University of Montana on Nov. 30, 2017. He began his second tenure as the Grizzlies' head coach a day later on December 1, 2017. 2024 will be his 18th year as a college football head coach, his 13th overall year at Montana, and the sixth year of his second stint as Montana's head coach. In 2018 Hauck became the winningest coach in Montana history, surpassing the great Don Read with 86 wins in eight seasons..

Last Season's Record - (Montana 2023): 13-2 overall, 9-0 home, 4-1 away, 0-1 neutral,  7-1 Big Sky

Coming into the 2024 season, Montana ranks No. 3 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25. The Grizzlies finished 13-2 last year, reaching the FCS national championship game before losing 23-3 against South Dakota State.

Montana is set to become a leading contender in the FCS this season, with two uncertainties left, both of which involve key positions. The Grizzlies are in search of a center to complement their experienced offensive line. But, the biggest concern is the selection of a starting quarterback, a role Montana has faced numerous times. 

For the fourth consecutive year, Montana will see a change at the helm of the offense, with quarterbacks Cam Humphrey (2021), Lucas Johnson (2022), and Clifton McDowell (2023) taking turns in the role. McDowell, who joined the transfer list after the national championship game, has committed to McNeese after a short stint at Temple. Sam Vidlak, who took over as the starting quarterback last season, has moved on to Stephen F. Austin. However, the competition for the starting quarterback position is expected to be strong. Montana fans are optimistic about the prospects of redshirt freshman Keali’i Ah Yat, who impressed last season with brief but impactful playing time. Ah Yat, the son of the Griz Hall of Fame quarterback Brian Ah Yat, had a successful season, completing 9 out of 13 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown against Northern Colorado, and 10 out of 15 passes for 131 yards at Portland State.

The Grizzlies are set to face a formidable trio at the running back position. Eli Gillman, who won the Jerry Rice Award last year for his 968 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, is returning. Alongside him, veteran Nick Ostmo, who accumulated 1,398 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years, is also on the roster. 

Only four players from its elite 11 defensive line are returning — safety Ryder Meyer ranked second on the team with 91 tackles, linebacker Ryan Tirrell came in fourth with 62 tackles, linebacker Riley Wilson was named to the All-Conference Second Team after making 53 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, and safety Jaxon Lee recorded 49 tackles. The Grizzlies are also welcoming back standout cornerback Trevin Gradney, who was a First Team All-Big Sky honoree the previous season with 27 tackles, five interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Safety TJ Rausch and cornerback Ronald Jackson were active players last season, and their numbers will likely grow this year as Montana will be losing three defensive backs: Corbin Walker, TraJon Cotton, and Nash Fouch.

Out of Montana's 15 D1 incoming transfers, 10 are positioned on the defensive end. A number of them left a lasting impact during the spring season. Monmouth transfer, Pat Hayden, is set to contribute significantly to Montana's defensive deep-down left side. The addition of DBs Chrishawn Gordon (Fresno State), Prince Ford (Illinois), and Kenzel Lawler (Utah) to the team is seen as a major boost. Additionally, the San Diego State transfer, Vai Kaho, appears to be slated for the middle linebacker position.

-Returning All-Conference Players: Junior Begen (1st Team; WR), Brandon Casey (1st Team; OL), Trevin Gradney (1st Team; DB), Eli Gillman (2nd Team; RB), Riley Wilson (2nd Team; LB), Journey Grimsrud (Honorable Mention; OL) 

 -Notable Transfers: Andres Lehrmann (Youngstown State; DL), Patrick Hayden (Monmouth; DL), Logan Fife (Fresno State; QB), Chrishawn Gordon (Fresno State; DB), Prince Ford (Illinois; DB), Vai Kaho (San Diego State; LB), Kenzel Lawler (Utah; DB)

2023 Montana Statistics (15 games)

Rushing Offense: 2652 yards
Yards per game: 177
Yards per rush: 4.2 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 147
TDs rushing: 32
Passing Offense: 2967 yards or 198 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 130
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 410-247-9
TDs Passing: 18
Total Offense: 5619 yards or 375 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 15-6
3d Down Conversions: 91 of 219 (42%)
4th Down Conversions: 12 of 25 (48%)
Field goal-attempts:  18 of 27
PAT-Attempts: 46 of 50
Red Zone Scores: 44 of 54
Red Zone Touchdowns: 34 of 54
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 0
Penalties-Yards: 96 - 926 - Avg. per gm 62
Punts-Yards: 68 - 2708 - Avg. per gm 40

34 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #34 Rashad Snow

It's now 34 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive back:

#34 Rashad Snow

Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-9
Weight: 160
Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Homestead, Fla.
High School: Homestead HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his prep career at North Fort Myers High before transferring to Homestead High … Came to WCU as a preferred walk-on … Had over 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns on offense with a pair of interceptions as a junior … Named All-Area in 2022 … Listed as a three-star recruit by Jerry Recruiting Rising Stars and On3sports.

35 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #35 Christian Murphy

It's now 35 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive linebacker:

#35 Christian Murphy

Position Linebacker
Height 6-1
Weight 220
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Dania Beach, Fla.
High School Dillard HS










2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see game action ... Credited with three and a half tackles including a TFL in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2022 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at St. Thomas Aquinas High … Helped guide Dillard HS to a tri-county championship in 2020 … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com

36 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #36 Don Robinson III

It's now 36 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive cornerback:

#36 Don Robinson III

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.
High School: West Forsyth HS

2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see game action ... Credited with three tackles in WCU's annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2022 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played at West Forsyth High for head coach Adrian Snow where he was a three-year varsity letter winner ... Recorded 65 tackles as a senior with three tackles for loss ... Tallied three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns ... Credited with 25 pass break-ups ... Blocked five field goals, returning one for a touchdown on a scoop-and-score.

Personal: Full name is Don Levander Robinson III ... Is the son of Tricia and Don Robinson Sr. ... Has two older siblings, Gabrielle and Hannah, and one younger, Jordyn.

WCU Preseason Preview: Game #3 - Elon Phoenix

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western Carolina's 2024 football
opponents. In Western's third game of the 2024 season, the Catamounts travel to Elon, NC to face the Phoenix. Western faces Elon for the 45 time overall, the two teams last played in Cullowhee in 2013.

Elon finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 overall record.

Game #3 -  Elon Phoenix

When: Saturday, September 14

Time:   6 pm
Where: Rhodes Stadium, Elon, NC

Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV / video: FloFootball 

Conference:  Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) 
Nickname: Phoenix
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Enrollment:  7,117
Message Board:  ElonFans

The Series: In only the 45th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 18-24-2 record overall against the former Southern Conference foe.  Western is 6-15-1 against the Phoenix in games played in Elon. 

Last Game vs. Elon (Oct. 26, 2013) - WCU halted a seven-game slide against Elon; it was the Catamounts' first win over the Phoenix since 2005 ... WCU improves to 3-3 against Elon in games played in Cullowhee. Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir won his first game against a NCAA Division I opponent, while also earning his first victory against a Southern Conference opponent;

Head Coach:  Tony Trisciani - Named the 23rd head football coach at Elon University on Dec. 17, 2018, Tony Trisciani will begin his sixth season at the helm of the program in the fall of 2024. Widely familiar with the CAA Football landscape, the 2023 season marked Trisciani's 28th year as a football coach and his 18th year coaching at a CAA Football institution. Known for developing champions, Trisciani's career has featured multiple conference championships on the field while guiding his defensive units to national leaders in multiple categories and coaching numerous all-conference and All-American student-athletes. 

Last Season's Record  (2023): 6-5 overall, 4-2 home, 2-4 away, 6-2 CAA

Matthew Downing is set to guide Elon's attack on offense following his start in nine games during the 2023 season. Downing was the ninth-best passer in the country, amassing 1,915 yards through the air and 19 touchdowns. The senior, standing 6'6" and weighing 206 pounds, is stepping into the season with a strong foundation, having shown impressive performances in the last four games of the 2023 season.

Wide receiver Chandler Brayboy has come back after 589 yards receiving in 2023. He's been named to the All-Conference team three times and is coming with more than 1,600 yards from catches and 1,000 yards from kick returns. Jamarien Dalton set a new team record with five receiving touchdowns last year and is expected to move into a starting position. Tight end Tyler Devera was absent from the 2023 season but still managed to rack up over 400 yards from catches at Stony Brook from 2020 to 2022.

Elon's defense team is poised to become one of the top groups in the CAA this season. Caleb Curtain will take charge of the secondary following his selection as an All-American in 2023. Throughout the season, he recorded 80 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, and six pass breakups. Bringing in former North Carolina Central defensive back Khalil Baker will strengthen Elon's safety duo, making it one of the best in the country. Baker received the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award and was recognized as a first-team All-American by multiple selectors in 2022. The Phoenix will need to find replacements for both starting cornerbacks, but Senquavious Alsobrooks is anticipated to play a more significant role after starting two games as a freshman.

Returning All-Conference Players: Caleb Curtain (1st Team; DB), Chandler Brayboy (Honorable Mention; WR) 

Notable Incoming Transfers: Khalil Baker (North Carolina Central; DB), Rushawn Baker (Bucknell; RB), Brandon Smiley (Western Carolina; DL), Nathan Kibambe (Appalachian State; DB), Tyler Devera (New Mexico State; TE), Jack Salopek (Western Michigan; QB)

2023 Elon Statistics  (11 games):
Rushing Offense: 1418 yards
Yards per game: 129
Yards per rush: 3.6 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 82
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 2248 yards or 204.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.9 yards
Passing 1st downs: 86
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 283-159-6

TDs Passing: 21
Total Offense: 3666 yards or 333.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13-5
3d Down Conversions: 45 of 151 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 14 of 26 (54%)
Field goal attempts: 12 - 15
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 23 of 28
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 28 

PAT-attempts: 32 of 34

37 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #37 Canden McGill

It's now 37 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive back:

#37  Canden McGill

Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Shelby, N.C.
High School: Shelby HS





Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on ... Three-year varsity letterwinner and a three-time all-conference on the football gridiron ... Posted 11 career interceptions in the secondary ... Tied the school record for interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season with three as a sophomore in the state championship season ... High school coach was Mike Wilbanks.

Personal: Full name is Canden Niajay McGill ... Is the son of Ashley A. Deqree and John L. McGill ... Has six siblings, three older and three younger

 

38 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #38 Cam Smith

It's now 38 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive back:

38 Cam Smith

Position: Defensive Back 

Height: 6-0 

Weight: 180 

Class: Redshirt Freshman 

Hometown: New London, N.C. 

High School: North Stanly HS 

 Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … According to MaxPreps, played in 22 career games … Recorded 67 career tackles with 48 solo stops and three for loss with a pair of interceptions and two forced fumbles … Defended 15 career passes … Posted 255 rushes for 2,030 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns … Recorded 11 100-yard rushing games … Added 23 career catches for 463 yards and three additional scores … Posted 2,862 career all-purpose yards … Also played baseball as a prep.

39 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #39 Julian Quintero

It's now 39 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive safety:

39  Julian Quintero

Position: Safety
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190
Class: Freshman
Hometown: St. Augustine, Fla.
High School: St. Augustine HS





Prior to Western Carolina: Named first-team All-County defense as a senior … Recorded 112 tackles including two TFLs and a forced fumble as a senior … Part of a 13-1 state runner-up in his final season … Played football, basketball, and ran track as a prep … Started his high school career at Pedro Menendez HS.

Personal: Full name is Julian Andros Quintero ... Is the son of Barbara and Thomas Hornsby ... Has two siblings - older, Barbara and younger Tomilynn ... Father played college football at Brown University.

40 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #40 Cory Hennings

It's now 40 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive safety:

Cory Hennings

Position: Safety
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Class Redshirt: Junior
Hometown: Matthews, N.C.
High School: Weddington HS









2023 (Redshirt Sophomore): Saw action in six of the team’s 11 games on the season, all coming as a reserve on defense and on special teams … Played in three road and three home games on the season… Did not record any official statistics.

2022 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 games on special teams and as a defensive reserve … Finished the season with five tackles including half a tackle for loss … Recorded his first tackle of the season in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Credited with a career-high three tackles at Mercer (Oct. 8) … Tallied a tackle with a half tackle for loss in the home win over nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19).

2021 (Freshman): Saw action in two games on the season, making his collegiate debut against Mercer (Oct. 9) ... Was not credited with any official statistics ... Remained eligible for a redshirt.

41 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #41 Drew Hollifield

It's now 41 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight a defensive safety:

41 Drew Hollifield

Position: Safety
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185
Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Shelby, N.C.
High School: Shelby HS






Prior to Western Carolina: As a senior, amassed 650 offensive all-purpose yards with 14 touchdowns ... Recorded 43 tackles including 8.5 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks ... High school head coach was Mike Wilbanks at Shelby HS where he was part of the 2-A state championship team as a sophomore ... Was also a four-time all-conference performer on the basketball court as a four-year starter where he scored over 1,000 career points as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Michael Andrew Hollifield, prefers to go by Drew ... Is the son of Rhonda and Andy Hollifield ... Has two siblings, Landon and Harper ... Grandfather played football at Western Carolina ... His father played football at Appalachian State, with a pair of uncles playing at Wake Forest and App State.

42 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #42 Caden Robinson

It's now 42 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight an offensive lineman, a tight end:

#42 Caden Robinson

Position Tight End
Height 6-3
Weight 195
Class Redshirt Freshman
Hometown Lake Junaluska, N.C.
High School Pisgah HS






2023 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a member of the Pisgah football, basketball and tennis teams during his prep career ... Was a two-time All-Mountain 7 Conference performer as a forward ... Received a scholarship from the WNC Youth Football and Cheer organization in early August 2023.

Personal: Is the son of Joey Robinson, who graduated from Western Carolina.

WCU Preseason Preview: Game #2 - Campbell

Throughout this preseason, we will preview all of  Western Carolina's 2024 football opponents.

 

In Western Carolina's second game and home opener, the Cats host the Campbell Camels, in a "White Out Whitmire" game.  WCU will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the E.L. Whitmire Stadium.  The traditional WCU Freshmen run will take place just before kickoff and it is also the third-annual High School Band Day.

The Camels finished the 2023 season with a 5-6 overall record and  a 4-4 CAA record. 

Game #2 - Campbell Camels

When: Saturday, September 7, 2024

Time: 2:30 pm (ET)
Where: Bob Water Field, Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -Play-by-Play: Gary Ayers • Color Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV / video:  ESPN+
Live Stats: WCU Live Stats

Colors: Orange and Black

Conference: Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)

The Series: This is the first meeting on the gridiron for these two teams. 

Head Coach: Braxton Harris. Campbell director of athletics Hannah Bazemore announced Braxton Harris as the Fighting Camels’ head football coach on January 2, 2024. Harris, who previously spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons on staff at Campbell, returns to Buies Creek after spending 2023 as head coach at FCS Southland Conference member Houston Christian. Harris becomes the third head coach in Campbell’s modern football history (since 2008). . 

Harris's record vs. Western Carolina: 0-0

Kerwin Bell's record vs. Campbell: 0-0

Last Season's Record - 2023 (Campbell): 5-6 overall, 1-3 home, 4-3 away, 4-4 CAA

First year head coach Braxton Harris enters the season without four-year quarterback starter Hajj-Malik Williams, who transfered to UNLV. Expected starting QB (redshirt sophomore) Chad Mascoe Jr. was held out of the spring game as a precaution, however CU’s orange squad found success multiple times, both through the air and ground.  Redshirt senior wideout Sincere Brown did most of the heavy lifting in the passing game. Brown, who sat out last season, hauled in a host of receptions, including two touchdowns. The Camel's two top returning rushers, Lamagea McDowell and NaQuari Rogers both churned their way through the defense for scores on the ground.  

Linebacker C.J. Tillman, a former Phil Steele Freshman All-American made his presence known throughout the practice game, wrecking plays in the backfield and flying to the ball like he’s done the past three years. Tillman’s led the team in tackles for two straight seasons and was just shy of 100 wrapups in 2023. Tilman joined fellow returners like Idris Williams in implementing the changes made by new defensive coordinator Eric Daniels. Williams had his hands in a few plays, none more impressive than the pick-6 that sent those wearing black into a frenzy.  

2023 Cam[bell Statistics (11 games)

Rushing Offense: 1644 yards
Yards per game: 149.5
Yards per rush: 4.1 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 101
TDs rushing: 22
Passing Offense: 2646 yards or 240.6 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 127
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 337-235-8

TDs Passing: 20
Total Offense: 4290 yards or 390 yards per game
Fumbles - Lost:16 - 9
3d Down Conversions:  59-129 (46%)

4th Down Conversions: 10 of 19 (53%)
Field goal attempts: 5 - 11
PAT-Attempts: 39 of 42
Red Zone Scores:  39 of 46 
Red Zone Touchdowns: 36 of 46 
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 1
Penalties-Yards: 75 - 626

43 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - #43 Walter Gibson

It's now 43 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful a little more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight an defensive lineman:

#43 Walter Gibson

Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 190
Class: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Apex, N.C.
High School: Apex HS









2023 (Redshirt Junior): Played in 10 of the 11 team’s games as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with six total tackles on the season including four solo stops … Made his WCU debut in the season-opener at Arkansas (Sept. 2) … Recorded his first tackle on a solo stop against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Tallied a career-high two tackles on solo stops in the road win at nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Oct. 7).

Prior to Western Carolina:  Monroe College