I had missed this at first, but it looks like UTC's decision was made after the
players opted out of the season.
https://news.yahoo.com/utc-mocs-opt-spr ... 00733.html
On Monday, the combination of academic classload and concern for the unknown toll that could be inflicted on players bodies from potentially playing as many as 19 combined games this spring and fall, led "around 30" players — according to university sources to opt out of the remaining spring season.
I had assumed the University just made the decision to cease playing mid-season. It would seem, instead, that roughly 1/3 of UTC's roster opted out. That would explain the Mercer game a bit. They just didn't have enough willing and able to keep playing this season. The coaches were actually trying to convince them to play:
In the team's lone fall game, UTC nearly knocked off Western Kentucky, then began the spring by beating Wofford and The Citadel prior to a bye week. It was at that point that the players told coaches they were done, although Wright convinced them to play against Furman — a game they ultimately won 20-18.