The Skyhawks’ impressive bounce-back season came to a close following a 50-7 blowout against Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouse opponent Kentucky (UK).
The Skyhawks ventured to Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, with a 7-4 overall record and solidified third-place in finish in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) after going 6-2 in conference play.
Despite UTM’s strong finish and number-one scoring defense in the OVC, the Skyhawks had no easy task playing against the Wildcats of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Kentucky’s game plan involved a heavily engaged run-game and nearly nonexistent passing-game. The Wildcats flexed their dominant rush offense and defense, as Kentucky put up a whopping 462 rushing yards while the Skyhawks were held to 204 total yards of offense.
Freshman quarterback (QB) John Bachus III completed 17 of his 30 passing attempts for 157 yards, failing to find the end zone and throwing an interception. Former starting QB Dresser Winn saw playing time as well, completing five of his eight passes for 59 yards.
Graduate running back (RB) Jaimiee Bowe led a struggling Skyhawk rush offense that accounted for -12 total yards. Bowe had 11 carries for 29 net yards and punched in UTM’s only touchdown.
Senior wide receiver (WR) Terry Williams compiled 74 yards on eight receptions, leading the receiving core.
Defensively, sophomore safety Deven Sims led the team in tackles (nine total). The defense as a whole recorded three tackles-for-loss while sophomore safety Takeem Young recorded the only UTM interception.
The Wildcats run-game accounted for six touchdowns on the evening. UK’s Lynn Bowden, who switched from receiver to QB full-time weeks prior according to UK’s Game Notes, recorded 135 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Fellow RB Asim Rose recorded 105 yards on just six carries.
UK’s defense didn’t give Bachus an easy time, sacking the freshman five times on the evening.
“Obviously we didn’t play our best today and that is unfortunate. The quality of opponent has a lot to do with that but we couldn’t get out of our own way,” said UTM head coach Jason Simpson, according to Sports Information.
The Skyhawks didn’t come out to a fast start. UTM found themselves down 9-0 after a safety and a lost fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Rose later carved up the Skyhawk defense with a 63-yard run touchdown, putting the Skyhawks in an early 16-0 hole.
UTM sophomore safety Takeem Young managed to picked off Bowden later on, but the Skyhawks weren’t able to capitalize on the next drive. By halftime, the Wildcats held a 22-0 lead over the Skyhawks. UTM’s odds of pulling off the upset didn’t look any better shortly into the third quarter.
In UK’s red zone, Bachus threw a costly interception that kept UTM off the board for even longer. Despite the slow start to the quarter, UTM held the Wildcats to only one touchdown in the third.
The Skyhawks wouldn’t be held scoreless thanks to a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Bowe, but the deficit to comeback from was still daunting. Winn made an appearance later in the quarter, but his stint was unsuccessful. The Wildcats sealed off the 50-7 win shortly after.
With the victory, Kentucky became bowl eligible. UK improves to 2-0 in their all-time series with UTM, with the Wildcats first victory over the Skyhawks dating back to 2014, according to UK Game Notes.
Photo Credit / Sports Information
