Jare Gault

Jare Gault came to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in January intent on becoming the Mocs’ starting quarterback this season. Thursday, UTC coach Rodney Allison said Gault will get that shot in Saturday night’s season opener at fourth-ranked Oklahoma.

“I told Jare today that he would be starting,” Allison said after the Mocs’ final practice at Finley Stadium before traveling to Norman, Okla.

Allison said Gault, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior transfer from East Mississippi Community College, had earned the right to be the starter Saturday but said Tony Pastore was still in the mix as well. Allison reiterated that the Mocs’ first three games will be something of an audition for the quarterbacks to see who gets to lead the team against Jacksonville State on Sept. 20 and into Southern Conference play.

“They both had their moments during camp and we think (Gault’s) the one right now, but we’re not ready to say he’s the one forever,” Allison said. “He’s got to prove that.”

A year ago at this time, Gault was beginning his sophomore year at East Mississippi and not even thinking about playing for UTC. Now, after coming on strong in spring practice and then early in the preseason, he’s going to be starting against the Sooners — in front of more than 80,000 people.

“It’s a dream come true,” Gault said. “You think about this when you’re little, and hopefully I can go out there and prove (the coaches) right for believing in me.”

The one key difference between Gault and Pastore is Gault’s running ability, both in designed plays and when scrambling, something he may have to do often against the Sooners.