The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team hosts Furman for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 7, for a 4:04 p.m. (E.D.T.) kickoff at Finley Stadium.

Below are excerpts from today's press conference with photos.  The full videos are attached to the story.  Today's press conference included remarks from head coach Tom Arth, senior wide receiver Alphonso Stewart and sophomore linebacker Hawk Schrider.

Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com, or by calling the UTC Ticket Office at (423) 266-MOCS (6627).

Hawk Schrider, Sophomore, Linebacker
On adversity in the early going.
"Coach Arth harps on this all the time. You look at successful programs and teams, they always go through some type of struggle before reaching the top. It's difficult. It is what it is, we're 1-4. It's important we take this adversity and grow with it. Our next goal is to attack Tuesday's practice and get things right. It's hard, it's an experience I never had to experience before. I think Coach Arth is doing a great job of leading us and keeping us on track."

On Homecoming game against Furman.
"It's important. I think for us as a program, we don't see it any other way except for us playing the best we can. It's homecoming, so it creates that environment around you where you want to perform your best. It's an important time, but just as important as the last game or the next game."

On Furman's offense.
"Just watching film, it looks like they are implementing a new run scheme. Their offensive output shows their ability to run and throw the ball. They are very balanced, they want to run it first, but it will be key for us to stop the run and be aware of the pass. You can't really harp on one thing, you have to pay attention to both."



Tom Arth, Head Coach
On loss to Western Carolina.
"It was a tough game for us. It wasn't really acceptable in any facet of the game. It's something we need to improve and get better. Saturday was not very good and we'll be addressing it as we have already. We need to move on and put our focus on Furman. We need to improve and put ourselves in a better position to be successful."

On Fr. QB Dominic Caldwell stepping in after injuries.
"He's doing great. Alphonso Stewart talked about it in our team meeting earlier today. He was talking about the importance of everybody being ready. He said you never know when your number can be called. Dom certainly didn't have any expectation of his number being called upon on Saturday. He was the scout team player of the week in practice and that's why he was dressing. He stepped right in and did a fantastic job for our team."

On Furman's offense.
"It's unique in the fact that they have transitioned into a more option style offense. They do a lot well and they are running the ball well. They still have the ability to drop back and throw it. It's a unique challenge that we're excited to deal with. They're playing well and have been successful."

On dealing with adversity.
"We had a great conversation on Sunday in our team meeting. There's certain guys, they've all responded well, but there are certain guys with a different look in their eyes, you can feel the intensity. You see the feeling of opportunity. This is something that is challenging me in a new way and them in a new way as leaders. The way we respond to that is really going to define us. We're excited about that chance we have to come together to be what we are capable of."



Alphonso Stewart, Senior, Wide Receiver
On battling back from 1-4 start.
"It is what it is and we have to fight from the point we're at now. We have to focus on us and do the best job we can do to progress the team. You can't go back and change the losses to wins so you just have to move forward. We'll put our head down and work."

On offensive improvement moving forward.
"Our coaching staff and quarterback room are more than capable. Whoever it may be is getting coached up and I have all the faith in that room. I have the same faith in the offensive line, I know what they are capable of, you can see it when it's clicking. It'll turn around. I'm very passionate about my team and I believe it."

On being a leader.
"My leadership role is one thing I'm focusing on. Coach Arth said it has to be a players team. Coaches prepare you and the players play. So I'm trying to step up in the leadership role and be more vocal."