MARTIN, Tenn. – The No. 18 ranked University of Tennessee at Martin football program saw its six-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday afternoon as the Skyhawks fell short of a comeback in a 10-9 setback to Big South-OVC Football Association rival Tennessee Tech.
The Skyhawks (7-4, 5-2 Big South-OVC) entered the game with six consecutive wins under their belt and a high-powered offense but left with neither in tow. UT Martin struggled mightily on offense as it tabulated just 185 yards of total offense – its lowest offensive output against an FCS opponent since the 2021 NCAA playoffs versus eventual national championship runner-up Montana State. In addition to the team’s yardage woes, the offense also committed a pair of turnovers in the loss.
Special teams scored all nine of the team’s points for the Skyhawks as a punt attempt in the fourth quarter was blocked by Tyler Mullins and returned 40 yards for a touchdown by Cam Robertson to put the team on the board. UT Martin later added two more points to its advantage via a safety but the team’s potential game-tying field goal a few plays earlier grazed the outside of the crossbar and ultimately decided the contest.
Despite the team’s shortcomings on offense, the Skyhawk defense was impressive once again. After allowing an early touchdown drive in the first quarter – the Skyhawks limited the Golden Eagles to just a field goal on a short field for the rest contest. Tennessee Tech tallied just 247 yards of total offense in the contest while throwing one interception which was picked off by LaMarion Pierce.
Highlighting the defensive side of the ball was linebacker Jaylon Sharpe with a game-high 13 tackles – including eight solo stops and a TFL. Chris Hunter, Jr. racked up eight total tackles while the team combined for 10.0 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Christian Dowell led the team with a pair of TFLs while Tevin Shipp added 1.5 TFLs to his stat line.
The kids fought, especially defensively.” UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson said. “nice job punt blocking and scoring. We fought all the way to the end but give Tennessee Tech’s defense credit. They controlled us and it was their day today. Give their coaches and players credit for that but it was disappointing coaching on my behalf and execution by the players. We’ve got one game left and a chance to get to eight wins but this one hurts and I feel for the kids.”
Tennessee Tech (6-5, 5-2 Big South-OVC) entered the contest looking to snap an 11-game losing streak to UT Martin and did just that. The Golden Eagles stymied the Skyhawk offense and limited them to just nine first downs – a season-low for the home team – while also securing the coveted Sgt. York Trophy for the first time since the 2020-21 season. Tech running back Jalen Mitchell tally the team’s lone touchdown via a 15-yard run while Daniel Rickert posted a big game on offense with 4.0 TFLs – including 3.5 sacks.
UT Martin wraps up the regular season next week when playing host to Lindenwood on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. at Hardy Graham Stadium.
