CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — Battle Alberson accounted for four touchdowns and the Chattanooga defense scored a pivotal third-quarter touchdown to power the Mocs to a 45-28 victory over Furman in a Southern Conference matchup on Saturday at Finley Stadium.

The game, a shootout that saw the teams combine for 73 points, was a tale of two halves dominated by Chattanooga after a competitive start. The win pushed both teams to an even 5-5 record on the season.

Furman struck first, capping an impressive opening drive with a 9-yard touchdown run by Ben Croasdale. The Paladins extended their lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter on a 3-yard plunge by CJ Nettles.

Chattanooga’s offense, sluggish in the first quarter, erupted for 21 points in the second period to seize control. The Mocs’ comeback began with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Alberson to tight end Landon Strickland. After forcing a Furman punt, Alberson connected with Josh Williams on a 66-yard catch-and-run score to tie the game.

Furman responded with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Trey Hedden to Kerry King to retake the lead at 21-14. But Alberson and the Mocs answered just before halftime, with the quarterback finding Markell Quick for a 47-yard touchdown to send the teams into the break tied at 21.

The momentum shifted decisively in Chattanooga’s favor on the first possession of the second half. Furman’s Hedden was intercepted by Chattanooga’s Ky Tayo, who returned the pick 51 yards for a touchdown, giving the Mocs their first lead of the day at 28-21.

A 31-yard field goal from Jude Kelley extended Chattanooga’s lead to 10 points. Furman closed the gap briefly on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Hedden to Evan James, making it 31-28 late in the third quarter.

Chattanooga put the game away in the fourth quarter with two more touchdowns. Journey Wyche punched in a 1-yard run to cap a long drive, and Alberson later found Wyche for a 25-yard scoring pass to seal the 45-28 final.

Alberson, a quarterback from Gulf Breeze, Florida, was efficient and dynamic, completing 15 of 22 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns while adding 85 rushing yards on seven carries, including a long of 31 yards. Ryan Ingram led the Mocs’ ground attack with 94 yards on 22 carries.

For Furman, quarterback Trey Hedden of Tampa, Florida, threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-27 passing, but his two interceptions proved costly. Evan James was his primary target, hauling in five receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.

The game’s total points sailed well over the pregame over/under line of 54.5. Chattanooga’s victory also defied the pregame spread, which had installed Furman as a 5.5-point favorite. The result was more lopsided than projected by Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 28-22 Chattanooga win.

Chattanooga travels to face Mercer next Saturday. Furman returns home to host the Virginia Military Institute.