The Skyhawks are 37.5-point underdogs heading into Saturday’s match up against the 18th ranked Kansas State Wildcats. In order for the Skyhawks to come away with an opening day victory, they need a few things to go their way.
1. Play mistake free football
You could say this for almost any game, but especially for a game against a ranked opponent like Kansas State. Staying ahead of schedule without penalties and winning the turnover battle is paramount to staying in this game and giving yourself a chance to win. On the other end of the stick, if the Skyhawks get the opportunity to take advantage of a Wildcat mistake, then they need to be able to capitalize on it.
2. Stop the run
If you allow the Wildcats to do what they want on the ground, then you heavily decrease your odds of winning this game. Whether it’s DJ Giddens, Dylan Edwards or even Avery Johnson, who is as mobile as they come at the quarterback position, the Wildcats will take every opportunity to run the ball up and down the field if the Skyhawks allow them to. Stopping the run would force the ball into the hands of Johnson who, while talented, is an inexperienced quarterback at the college level.
3. Pressure the quarterback
Affecting sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson throughout the game is critical to the Skyhawks success Saturday. The young quarterback must not be allowed to get into a rhythm or gain confidence or it could spell a long night for the Skyhawk defense. If they are able to get home rushing the passer early and start to make Johnson uncomfortable, that could give you a chance to steal this game from the Wildcats.
4. Eliminate the big play
The last thing you want to do in a game like this is give Wildcat fans something to get excited about. Whether the play is on offense, defense or special teams, avoiding a big play from Kansas State’s playmakers is crucial to the Skyhawks giving themselves a chance to win against a team that’s expected to be really good.
5. Do what you do best
At the end of the day, the Skyhawks need to play their brand of football. Run the ball, play stout defense and keep the ball out of the other team’s hands, and you’ll give yourself a chance to win this game. The Skyhawks need to rely on the veteran experience and leadership of quarterback Kinkead Dent and safety Oshae Baker, who is an FCS preseason All-American.
The UT Martin Skyhawks open the 2024 season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium against the Kansas State Wildcats at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31.
