Two days after a victory over its second ranked opponent of the season, the UTM football team has cracked the national polls, coming in at No. 24 in the Sports Network Rankings.
The Skyhawks, who have regularly received votes in the Sports Network polls up to this point, account for a 2-1 overall record in 2013 but are a perfect 2-0 against ranked Football Championship Subdivision opponents. UTM defeated No. 24 Chattanooga 31-21 on the road to open the season and then bested No. 7 Central Arkansas by a 24-23 margin this past Saturday.
In a sure sign of UTM’s dominance in 2013, the Skyhawks have not trailed at any point in the two games against ranked FCS opponents.
UTM leads the Ohio Valley Conference in least sacks allowed (four) and also ranks in the top-25 nationally in third down conversion percentage (51 percent, 10th), third down conversion percentage defense (31 percent, 16th) and rushing offense (210.7 yards per game, 24th).
Individually, three Skyhawks rank in the top-10 in the nation in their respective statistical categories. Tony Bell’s two forced fumbles ranks fifth, Jeremy Butler’s 25 receptions rank sixth while J’vontez Blackmon’s two interceptions rank ninth.
UTM is currently on a bye week before opening Ohio Valley Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Southeast Missouri. Kickoff time from Houck Stadium is set for 6 p.m.
