You’d think a game between two mid-majors in Tennessee wouldn't grab national headlines, and honestly, you're mostly right. But if you actually sit in the stands at the Roundhouse or make the drive to Clarksville, you realize the Chattanooga vs Austin Peay rivalry is one of the most underrated local feuds in the South.
It’s personal.
Most of these players grew up playing against each other in AAU or high school ball across the 615 and 423 area codes. When the Mocs and the Governors line up, it isn’t just about a non-conference win for the resume. It’s about bragging rights in a state that takes its hoops and its football way too seriously.
The Recent Hardwood Heartbreak
The most recent chapter in this saga went down on November 20, 2025, and if you're a Mocs fan, it’s probably still a bit of a sore spot. The women’s basketball matchup at McKenzie Arena was supposed to be a statement game for Chattanooga. Instead, Austin Peay walked into the Roundhouse and basically took over the place, leaving with a 68-54 win.
Gianna Corbitt was a beast for the Mocs, dropping 18 points and going a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe. But basketball is a team game, and the Governors just had more depth that night. Jim’Miyah Branton and Anovia Sheals were relentless. Austin Peay absolutely killed it on the glass, outrebounding Chattanooga 32-19. You just can’t win games when you’re giving up that many second-chance opportunities.
Interestingly, this win for the Govs continued a weird trend where the road team seems to have a strange amount of success. Before this, the Mocs had taken a close one in Clarksville back in 2023. It's like neither team wants to protect their own house lately.
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Men’s Basketball: A History of Streaks
If you look at the men’s side of Chattanooga vs Austin Peay, the history is a bit more of a rollercoaster.
The Mocs have historically held the upper hand—they lead the all-time series 10-9—but the Governors have been a nightmare for them recently. On November 11, 2024, Austin Peay handed Chattanooga a 67-61 loss that dropped the Mocs to a frustrating 0-3 start.
The Governors have won the last three meetings.
That’s a big deal. For a long time, Chattanooga viewed Austin Peay as a game they should win. Now? It’s a dogfight every single time. The Govs have found a way to bridge the gap, often relying on high-pressure defense that forces the Mocs into early-season mistakes.
Gridiron Grumbles: The Football Factor
While basketball is the main course, don't sleep on the football side of things. Chattanooga has traditionally dominated here. They hold an 8-1 lead in the series, including a 24-17 win in late 2024.
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The games are getting closer, though.
Back in the day, the Mocs would blow the doors off the Govs—think 42-6 or 42-10 scores from a decade ago. But the last two meetings have been decided by a single touchdown. Austin Peay is no longer a pushover on the turf. They’ve invested a ton into their program, and the gap between the SoCon and the ASUN (or United Athletic Conference for football) isn't what it used to be.
What Most People Get Wrong
People assume because these teams aren't in the SEC, the level of play is "low." That’s a total myth.
The SoCon is a meat grinder. The ASUN is arguably even more chaotic. When you watch Chattanooga vs Austin Peay, you’re seeing future pros. We’re talking about programs that have produced guys like Terry Taylor or the legendary "Fly" Williams at Austin Peay, and the Mocs have their own storied history of NCAA Tournament upsets.
There’s also this idea that Chattanooga is the "big brother" in the relationship. While the Mocs might have the bigger arena and the shiny history from the '90s, Austin Peay has been the more consistent disruptor in the last five years. They play with a massive chip on their shoulder.
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Survival Guide for the Next Matchup
If you’re planning on catching the next game, there are a few things you need to watch for. This isn't just about who shoots better from three.
- The Rebound Battle: As we saw in the November 2025 women's game, the team that controls the glass wins this series. Period.
- The In-State Pressure: The atmosphere is always electric. If you're going to Clarksville, expect the "Let’s Go Peay" chants to be deafening. It’s one of the best (and most hilarious) chants in college sports.
- Early Season Rust: Since these games usually happen in November or early December, keep an eye on turnovers. Both teams tend to play a bit loose early on, and the one that settles down first usually grabs the lead.
The beauty of this rivalry is that it doesn't need a national TV spot to feel important. It's about the guy you went to school with who now plays for the rival. It's about the local pride. Whether it's on the court or the field, Chattanooga vs Austin Peay is always going to be a battle for the soul of Tennessee mid-major sports.
How to Keep Tabs on the Rivalry
The best way to stay updated isn't just checking ESPN. You've gotta follow the local beats.
- Check the "GoMocs" and "LetsGoPeay" official sites for the granular post-game notes—they often include quotes you won't find on the wire.
- Watch the transfer portal. In 2026, players move around so much that today's Moc could be tomorrow's Governor.
- Look for the mid-week non-conference schedules to drop in August; that's when the next showdown usually gets inked.
Keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to game day, especially for the Mocs' backcourt, as they've been snake-bitten by depth issues lately. If both teams are healthy, the next meeting should be another one-possession classic.