UT Martin struggled to find its offensive footing as the Skyhawks fell 9-10 to the 6-5 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.
This is the Skyhawks’ first loss to Tennessee Tech since 2012, ending an 11-game win streak against the Golden Eagles and a six-game season win streak for the Skyhawks.
The Skyhawk offense opened the game with a three-and-out and then back-to-back interceptions from QB Kinkead Dent, with Tennessee Tech capitalizing with a quick touchdown and field goal to put the Golden Eagles up 10. The offense would avoid turnovers from that point on, but they wouldn’t get within scoring distance until late in the fourth quarter.
Dent would lead the Skyhawks in passing and rushing with 142 and 46 yards, respectively. This was Dent’s lowest passing total since week five of the season and resulted in his lowest completion percentage (40.6) since the Skyhawks played North Alabama in week three.
The passing struggles weren’t for a lack of opportunities, however. Dent missed a few open players for big gains on passes he has typically completed this season.
On the ground, the Skyhawks were stifled by Tennessee Tech’s run defense, which ranks third in the nation. Running back Patrick Smith ran for just 13 yards on 13 carries, which is Smith’s lowest rushing total ever when getting more than 10 carries in a game. Dent led UT Martin on the ground with some scrambles, including a 19-yard dash, which was the Skyhawks’ biggest run of the night.
Pass catchers for the Skyhawks had a fair night, all things considered. Receivers Trevonte Rucker and DeVonte Tanksley led the way with 51 and 49 yards, respectively.
Rucker made the biggest offensive play of the night with a 40-yard contested catch to get the Skyhawks in scoring position, while Tanksley led all pass catchers with five catches.
Defensively, the Skyhawks were up to their standard. They allowed zero points to the Tennessee Tech offense after the first quarter. The Golden Eagles passing game struggled against the Skyhawks, totaling 139 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
LB Jaylon Sharpe led the way with 14 total tackles (career-high) and a sack. Other contributors on defense include CB LaMarion Pierce and LB Chris Hunter.
Pierce totaled six tackles and an interception backed up against his own goal line, while Hunter racked up nine tackles, including a tackle for loss.
Through all adversity, the Skyhawks had an opportunity to right their wrongs and outlast Tennessee Tech. After a big punt block by S Tyler Mullins and return for a touchdown by S Chris Robertson, the Skyhawks pulled within three points of Tennessee Tech. After a 40-yard pass play put the Skyhawks at the 10, the offense couldn’t capitalize and had to settle for a field goal.
However, with an opportunity to tie the game, kicker Van Winkle’s kick flew just to the right, bouncing off the upright.
With the loss, the Skyhawks moved to 5-2 in the Big-South OVC and fell to a tie for third place in the standings.
This week, the Skyhawks will defend their home again when the 5-6 Lindenwood Lions come to Martin on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m.
