CHATTANOOGA, TENN. -- Battle Alberson passed for 277 yards and four touchdowns to lead Chattanooga to a 45-28 victory over Furman in Southern Conference football action Saturday afternoon at Finley Stadium.

Making his first career start, Alberson, a freshman, completed 15 of 22 passes and touchdown strikes covering 25, 66, 47, and 25 yards for the Mocs (5-5, 4-2 SoCon).

With the scored tied 21-21 at halftime, the Mocs grabbed the lead for good when defensive tackle Ky Tayo dropped off in coverage and intercepted a pass by Paladin quarterback Trey Hedden and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown to put Chattanooga ahead, 28-21.

After forcing a Furman punt, the Mocs stretched their advantage to 31-21 on a Jude Kelly 31-yard field goal.

The Paladins cut it to 31-28 when Hedden found freshman Evan James behind Chattanooga's secondary for a 43-yard scoring strike with 2:57 remaining in the third quarter.

Following an exchange of punts, Chattanooga put together a 10-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a Markell Quick 7-yard touchdown run for a 38-28 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

The Mocs eliminated any Furman comeback design with a fumble recovery and interception on the Paladins' final two possessions.

Chattanooga finished the contest with 529-368 advantage in total offense, including 252 rushing yards.

Hedden connected on 19-of-27 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice and suffered two sacks.

James had five receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown for Furman to move into a tie for the school's freshman receptions standard with 50 catches.

Furman (5-5, 3-4 SoCon) plays host to VMI next Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. contest.