Joel Bradford’s punt return sets up winning TD in Chattanooga’s 31-28 win over The Citadel

Chattanooga defeats The Citadel 31-28

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Blue Cooper caught a 1-yard pass from B.J. Coleman with 4:36 left and Chattanooga defeated The Citadel 31-28 on Saturday.

The Mocs (6-4, 4-4 Southern Conference) began the game-winning drive on The Citadel 9-yard line after a career-long 53-yard punt return by Joel Bradford.

Coleman was 39-for-61 with 356 yards and three touchdowns and Cooper finished with 139 yards and two TDs on 14 carries for Chattanooga.

The Mocs had 12 tackles for a total loss of 41 yards, holding The Citadel to 91 yards rushing. Steven Smigelsky led the Mocs with 11 tackles, including two for a loss and a sack.

The Bulldogs (4-6, 2-5) took a 21-0 lead on a 9-yard pass from Tommy Edwards to Andre Roberts with 1:40 left in the second quarter.

Edwards finished with 214 yards and three TDs on 21-of-37 passing and Roberts caught 10 passes for 107 yards and two TDs.