With a sold-out student section and an offense that was on fire, it would appear that the Elon Phoenix defense would come out and put a stop to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Mocs.

However, in the first half it gave up 21 points, letting the Mocs have their way on offense and keeping themselves in the game.

“We were somewhat sluggish defensively in the first half,” head coach Pete Lembo said.

Elon’s defense was not at its best the past few weeks.

The unit has allowed its opponents to run up the score, but the Phoenix’s dynamic passing offense scored more and pulled out victories for the team.

In its last four games, the defense gave up an average of 300 rushing yards.

On Saturday, the Phoenix [6-2 overall, 4-1 conference] was without one of its defensive leaders, junior Daronce Daniels who was sidelined because of a shoulder injury sustained the week before against Wofford.

When Chattanooga, a team known for running the ball effectively, came in, the defense was ready.

After allowing 82 yards on only 16 carries in the first half, the defense was ready to play in the second half, giving up only 47 yards.

The 129 rushing yards the defense allowed was the lowest amount since they played against Liberty University on Sept. 9.

Freshman quarterback Scott Riddle had four touchdowns in the first half, as the Phoenix put 35 points on the board.

In the second half the offense sputtered. That’s where the defense came in.

“It was key that they [the defense] stepped up to play,” Riddle said. “Our defense has stepped up at the right time all year.”

Sophomore cornerback Karlos Sullivan played a major role in the defense’s second half surge.

“We came out ready to play,” Sullivan said. “We just played harder.”

With 11:43 left in the fourth quarter, Chattanooga drew within 10 points, scoring on a three-yard pass to Jordan Hazard on fourth down.

Elon’s offense was forced to punt, giving the ball back to the Mocs. Just as the momentum started to sway in the Chattanooga’s direction, Sullivan would steal it right back.

Following a fourth down conversion that enabled the Mocs to continue their drive, their quarterback, Antonio Miller, threw a deep pass to his receiver down the left side of the field.

Sullivan leapt out in front, and stole the pass from the Chattanooga receiver.

“We needed to step up and make a play defensively,” Lembo said. “Karlos stepped up and got it done for us.”

In its past two games, the Phoenix defense has let up only seven total points in the second half.

Next week, Elon will take on Furman as they try to stay on top of the Southern Conference.

Reporter: Adam Pittenger - 10/31/07