MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin football program picked up its first win of Big South-OVC Football Association action with a commanding 35-17 home victory over Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon.
The Skyhawks (3-3, 1-1 Big South-OVC) picked up their first win in association play with an impressive showing in front of a large Homecoming crowd. UT Martin eclipsed 400 yards of total offense while rushing for 235 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. With the win, the Skyhawks improved to 13-5 in Homecoming contests during the Jason Simpson era.
After Gardner-Webb jumped on the scoreboard first with a field goal early in the first quarter, UT Martin rallied back with 35 unanswered points to control the game. Running back Patrick Smith played a big role in the victory after tallying his third multi-touchdown performance of the season with 15 carries for 128 yards and three touchdowns. Smith became the ninth individual during the Division I era to tally three or more rushing touchdowns in a contest.
Quarterback Kinkead Dent also had an efficient day in the passing game by completing 15-of-23 pass attempts for 167 yards and one touchdown through the air while adding 73 yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground. DeVonte Tanksley paced the team with four receptions while Tyler Dostin tallied a game-high 66 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Skyhawks tallied seven tackles for loss – including a game-high three TFLs totaling 23 yards for Jaylon Sharpe. Safety Josh Hastings also tallied seven tackles in the contest while reigning Big South-OVC Defensive Player of the Year Oshae Baker tallied an interception for the second straight game.
“It was great weather and I appreciate all the family, friends and supporters that came out today. I’m very proud of the staff and the kids for all the preparation they put in this week. Anytime you get a conference win, I’m always thankful and appreciative of that. I thought it was good team football back-and-froth with good defense and rushing while Kinkead made a few plays with his feet and good throws. For three and a half quarters, I was very pleased. It was a good Homecoming victory for the guys and to get back to 1-1 in the conference.”
Gardner-Webb (1-5, 0-2 Big South-OVC) struggled to find much offense until the fourth quarter when they scored their two lone touchdowns. Running back Edward Saydee tallied a team-high 112 rushing yards while Carson Gresock notched the team’s rushing touchdown on a three-yard carry. Quarterback Tyler Riddell completed 10-of-14 pass attempt for 145 yards and one touchdown by finding Quasean Holmes.
UT Martin will hit the road again next week, traveling to new Big South-OVC member Western Illinois for a first-time league matchup. Kickoff from Macomb is slated for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
