By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – All three phases shined for the University of Tennessee at Martin football squad this evening as the Skyhawks soared for a complete 66-7 triumph over Southland Conference opponent HCU at Hardy Graham Stadium.
UT Martin (2-1) outgained the visiting Huskies by a 707-213 margin in total offense as the Skyhawk offense posted 8.3 yards per play on the way to eight touchdowns (six passing, two rushing). The scoring performance were the most points for UT Martin against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent since a 66-59 victory at Murray State on Oct. 13, 2012.
Defensively, the Skyhawks held HCU to only seven first downs and 39 rushing yards (1.6 yards per carry). The Huskies (1-2) were limited to 3-for-15 on third down conversions as UT Martin recorded four sacks, 10 tackles for loss and forced three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble recovery).
On special teams, Narkel LeFlore returned the opening kickoff of the second half 95 yards to the house for the Skyhawks’ first kick return touchdown since Oct. 21, 2017 at Eastern Kentucky. Aidan Laros was a perfect 9-for-9 in PAT attempts and added a 33-yard field goal for UT Martin.
Kinkead Dent was on fire tonight as the graduate signal-caller from Yazoo City, Miss. was responsible for six combined scores. He completed 20 of his 27 pass attempts for 347 yards with five touchdowns, connecting with five different wide receivers for scores. The Ole Miss transfer also rushed for his first career touchdown to become the first UT Martin quarterback with six scores against a FCS opponent since Nov. 3, 2012. Kody Sparks came in with 6:45 to go in the third quarter and went 7-for-9 for 90 yards and his first career touchdown to give the Skyhawks 437 yards of passing offense.
Ten different UT Martin wide receivers hauled in a catch this evening as DeVonte Tanksley (team-highs of six receptions and 120 yards), Trevonte Rucker, Shawn Hardy II, Zoe Roberts, Marlon Cook, Jr. and Ajay Smith each reeled in touchdown catches. Asa Wondeh also had a big game with five receptions for 99 yards for the Skyhawks, who generated 247 yards after catch as a unit.
Sam Franklin paced the UT Martin rushing attack with 127 yards on 17 carries in addition to a touchdown. Corey Harris (six rushes for 49 yards) and Glover Cook, Jr. (six rushes for 42 yards) also performed well in the second half for the Skyhawks, who ran for 270 yards and 5.5 yards-per-carry behind another excellent performance by the offensive line.
Kaleb Almo made the most out of his first career start, racking up a team-best seven tackles out of the UT Martin secondary. Oshae Baker (interception) and LaMarion Pierce (interception), JaMichael McGoy (forced fumble) and Jack Lucas (fumble recovery, game-high two pass breakups) all had their hands in turnovers for the Skyhawks. Daylan Dotson came away with 1.5 sacks while Charles Perkins (one), Bryce Dailey (one) and Giovanni Davis (0.5) also amassed sacks to pace 11 different UT Martin players with tackles for loss. Tevin Shipp broke through the line for a game-high three quarterback hurries to cap off a thorough effort for the Skyhawk defense.
UT Martin goes back on the road in Week 4 as it makes the short 148-mile drive to Florence, Ala. for a Saturday, Sept. 23 matchup at North Alabama. Kickoff from Braly Municipal Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m. live on ESPN+.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
