BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – University of Tennessee at Martin tight end Max Dowling was rewarded for his two-touchdown performance against No. 25 Eastern Illinois by being named Big South-OVC Football Association Freshman of the Week.
A 6-6 redshirt-freshman from Buffalo, New York, Dowling came through when the Skyhawks needed him the most last week by snagging a pair of receptions for touchdown in a thrilling overtime victory against Eastern Illinois. His first catch of the day tied the contest at 14-14 early in the fourth quarter when he hauled in a nine-yard pass from Kinkead Dent for his first career touchdown. He then saved his best for last when he took a seven-yard reception and dove for the pylon to score the go-ahead touchdown on the opening series of overtime – which ultimately decided the contest.
Dowling became the first Skyhawk to dial up multiple touchdown receptions in over a calendar year after fellow tight end DJ Nelson hauled in a pair against Tennessee Tech last October.
The nationally ranked Skyhawks will enjoy their bye week this weekend before returning to action for Homecoming against Charleston Southern on Saturday, Oct. 21