Mocs vs. Samford: A Rivalry Since 1906 Meets Salute to Heroes Weekend

One of the oldest rivalries on the Chattanooga calendar comes back to Finley Stadium this Saturday. The Chattanooga Mocs host the Samford Bulldogs on October 10 at 1 p.m. ET, and it’s a bigger day than the matchup alone: it’s also the Mocs’ annual Salute to Heroes game and Hall of Fame induction weekend.

A Rivalry Dating Back to 1906

Chattanooga and Samford have been playing football for well over a century, with the series stretching back to 1906. The Mocs hold a commanding edge, winning 35 of the 50 meetings (35-12-3), and Samford is one of only four programs UTC has beaten 30 or more times. Last season, Chattanooga took the most recent meeting 49-13 on the road in Birmingham.

What’s at Stake Saturday

The Mocs come in at 3-3 overall and 2-1 in Southern Conference play, tied for second with Tennessee Tech and a half-game behind ETSU. They’re coming off a 14-3 loss at ETSU that snapped a six-game win streak in that series, so Saturday is a chance to get back on track at home, where Chattanooga plays three of its next four games.

Samford arrives at 1-4 overall and 1-1 in the SoCon, but the Bulldogs have shown a few things worth watching. Kicker Ty Ippolito drilled field goals of 54 and 58 yards at Tennessee Tech, the two longest in Samford history. And Bulldogs head coach John Grass has history against this program: he went 5-0 against the Mocs during his time at Jacksonville State. UTC head coach Rusty Wright, a Chattanooga alum, is 4-2 against Samford.

Fans can catch the game on ESPN+, on the Mocs Sports Network, or on WFLI in Chattanooga. Finley Stadium holds more than 20,000, and the Marching Mocs will perform their 2026 halftime production, “See ROCK City,” during the game.

Salute to Heroes

The part of Saturday that goes beyond football is the Salute to Heroes theme. UTC gives a complimentary ticket, with ID, to all veterans, active military, first responders, doctors, nurses, and medical personnel. It’s a simple way for the community to say thank you to the people who show up for Chattanooga every day, in uniform and out of it.

Custom Apparel for the People Who Serve

The same crews honored on Saturday are often the ones outfitting themselves with custom gear year-round, and that’s work The Athletic Shop does every day. We design and produce embroidered polos, jackets, and quarter-zips for fire and police departments, EMS crews, hospital and clinic teams, and veteran organizations, plus event shirts for charity runs, fundraisers, and appreciation days.

If your department, unit, or organization needs a consistent, professional look, or you’re planning an event of your own, take a look at how we handle corporate and organizational apparel. We can also build a private online store so members can order their own sizes and gear without anyone collecting cash or tracking orders by spreadsheet.

Get a Quote

Whether you’re outfitting a department, a veterans group, or a team ready for next season, our team can help. Start your quote today.

FAQs About Mocs vs. Samford

Q: When and where is the Mocs vs. Samford game?
A: Saturday, October 10, at 1 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.

Q: How can I watch or listen?
A: The game streams on ESPN+ and airs on the Mocs Sports Network and WFLI in Chattanooga.

Q: Who gets a free ticket for Salute to Heroes?
A: Veterans, active military, first responders, doctors, nurses, and medical personnel receive a complimentary ticket with ID.

Q: How long have Chattanooga and Samford played each other?
A: The rivalry dates back to 1906, and UTC leads the series 35-12-3.

Q: Can The Athletic Shop make custom apparel for first responder and veteran groups?
A: Yes. We produce embroidered and screen-printed apparel for departments, units, hospitals, and community organizations, and can set up a private online store for ordering.