The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team opens the 2017 season in the Guardian Kickoff Classic on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. (E.D.T.) in Montgomery, Ala.  The No. 12 Mocs take on the fifth-ranked Jacksonville State Gamecocks.

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 receiver Alphonso Stewart and senior defensive back Lucas Webb.   

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

Tom Arth, Head Coach
Opening Statement on this weekend's game against Jacksonville State.
"It's exciting to be in this position right now, getting ready and preparing for an opponent. We got to do some game planning yesterday and we're working on third downs now, so it's exciting for me. I feel like I've been here for a really long time without playing a game yet, so it's an exciting weekend for us, the team and me personally. We've been so excited about the development of our program and each individual player, we've come a really long way. We had an outstanding camp where we improved and added a lot of depth at positions. Our coaches did a fantastic job developing the talent, getting some of the young guys ready to go and compete on Saturday. I'm very encouraged with the progress that we have made."

On preparing for Jacksonville State
"We know a little bit and I'm sure they have ideas on what we're doing based on what we've done in the past. There is a certain unknown especially with how they are going to play offensively after graduating a lot of players. They have a lot of new faces and we have to kind of figure out how they are going to be different and be ready for anything. That's part of the challenge of coaching, that's what's exciting about game planning. When you go up against great teams they are going to do things you didn't prepare for. You'll see new things. It's great to try and think about what those wrinkles might be and how to be prepared for it. That's the challenge and enjoyable part of coaching, that chess match."

On the focus heading into the opening weekend.
"Our way. Just 'Our Way'. We've been focused on ourselves and the challenge that we have to be the best that we can be and live up to the standard every single day. That's enough for anyone to worry about, but now we are in to opponent prep work and anticipating what they are going to game plan against you. At the end of the day, it's all about execution. That's what we have to start with and focus on. We have an older group that's been a part of this, big games and great seasons. We have a group of guys that this is their first time playing in this type of atmosphere. It's exciting for them. We have to make sure we do a good job of not making this overly emotional. Emotions won't win this game, it's going to come down to execution and that's out focus."

On the opportunity to play on ESPN & a tough schedule.
"It's very exciting for our city, our school, for our alumni and for everyone involved, especially our players. They have the opportunity to represent our school on national television and I know they are excited about it. Certainly the rivalry between both schools and the success combined, it's a great honor to be a part of it. It'll be a great experience. That's why our student-athletes choose to come to a place like Chattanooga. They know they are going to play a great schedule, especially in the Southern Conference, one of the best conferences in the country. They know they'll play an SEC school, schools like Jacksonville State, UT-Martin and other top programs. We've got a great schedule, a really challenging schedule, but it'll prepare us. It'll get us ready for our conference and help us to continue to improve and get better each game. "

On opening up the season a week earlier -- against a top-five team.
"I love the fact that we are opening up against a top-five opponent. It's important for your program and development. When you go through an off-season and you know what that first game is, there isn't a lot of time to be wasted, you need to be ready to go. Your players feel that, their enthusiasm for camp everything is ramped up. When your goals are to be among the best, and eventually be the best, you have to play the best. You better play the best as often as you can. There's only one way to see where you stack up against the top programs and that's by playing them. I'm fired up for the opportunity to do that in week one. We'll come out of that game knowing where we stand and where we need to improve in."

 

Alphonso Stewart, Wide Receiver, Senior
On the hype around opening weekend against Jacksonville State.
"It's a very exciting week, but at the same time, our coaching staff has been on us about how 'it's all about us'. It's drilled into my head. That's where our focus is. It's a real exciting game as my first game as a senior and hopefully it sets up for a great season."

On playing in front of a national audience on ESPN.
"It's very very exciting. This type of school, we don't get this national attention that often. I'm not going to say it's overwhelming, but it's very exciting and I'm ready to be a part of it. I love playing on big stages and it's nice that I can have family and friends watch it on television with a huge national audience."

On preparing for Jacksonville State.
"They're a great team and we're a great team, it's going to be a battle. We've been preparing non-stop, some of us feel like we've never been so prepared before. We just need to go out and execute like we know how."
 

Lucas Webb, Safety, Senior
On the matchup with Jacksonville State on ESPN.
"I've been fortunate enough to play and see the hype around the matchup. It's two really good teams with really athletic players on both sides. We both have a lot of talent and it's going to be exciting to watch. It's a blessing, this is the stage every kid grows up dreaming about, playing on ESPN in front of the nation. At the same time, once we hit that field, nothing is going to be different. We need to execute and play like we know how to."

On excitement of opening weekend.
"I'm more excited for the fact that it's the first time going out there with our new players and coaching staff. We can go out there and see our hard work pay off, it's been a mindset since the new coaching staff came in. Jacksonville State is a great opponent, but I'm more focused on and excited to see how we come together."

On Chattanooga being selected for the Montgomery Kick-Off Classic.
"It goes back to the players and coaches leading up to this. With the new coaching staff we're excited to try and continue the success that's been built here. We have some new faces on both offense and defense that haven't played yet. I'm looking forward to everyone coming together and playing together, and see how we execute."