Skyhawks take destiny into their own hands on senior night

The Skyhawks weathered the storm and came back from an early 13-point deficit to defeat the Lindenwood Lions 33-26 in overtime. With the win, the Skyhawks are set to play against the 8-4 New Hampshire Wildcats in the first round of the FCS playoffs.  

Coming off of an upset loss to Tennessee Tech, the Skyhawks had a strong Lindenwood team standing between them and a chance for postseason action. After two quick scores from the Lions left the Skyhawks down 13, the Skyhawks had to respond, and they did so in spectacular fashion.  

A 55-yard scramble from Kinkead Dent and a 22-yard contested touchdown catch from Trevonte Rucker put the Skyhawks on the board.  

The Skyhawks took advantage of the deep ball frequently, completing passes of 58, 38 and 37 yards respectively.  

The Skyhawk running game started slow, but persistence paid off. Dent’s 55-yard touchdown began the Skyhawks comeback, but Patrick Smith’s 22-yard touchdown gave them the lead.  

Before his touchdown run, Smith had just 20 yards to his name, but after his run late in the third quarter, Smith gained 54 yards on the way to a Skyhawk overtime victory. 

The Skyhawks would have a chance to win the game in regulation following a 27-yard dart to WR Scottie Alexander from Kinkead Dent. However, the 49-yard kick would miss just right. 

In overtime, a massive throw and catch from Dent to Rucker would set up the Skyhawks inside the five-yard line. Following a couple of runs, Dent would roll out right and complete a highly accurate throw under pressure to TE Tyler Dostin, that would eventually be the game-winner for the Skyhawks. 

Defensively, they did their best to limit the efforts of Lions QB Nate Glantz. Glantz felt pressure from the Skyhawks all night with five different players combining for seven sacks including two in overtime to force a Hail Mary attempt to end the game. 

UT Martin, who continues to lead the Big South-OVC in turnover differential, got their hands on the football like they have all season. Both LB Jaylon Sharpe and CB JaMichael McGoy caught interceptions while DL Taylor Burton recovered a fumble.  

McGoy’s interception was extra special as it came on the final play of the game. Lions QB Glantz would avoid pressure, as he did all night, and launch the ball into a pile in the endzone. After a wrestle for the football, McGoy would come away from the pile, ball in hand and sprinting to celebrate with the home crowd. 

The Skyhawks acknowledged 16 seniors before their matchup against the Lions, all of whom have been key contributors to the team.  

“I take it as a very serious important thing, our staff does, to be a part of their journey as young men and that’s pretty rewarding and I appreciate, and don’t take that responsibility for granted,” said Coach Simpson about his senior class. 

However, their journey isn’t over yet.  

On Sunday, the Skyhawks received their first bid into the FCS Playoffs since 2021 where they lost in the second round to the eventual national championship runner-ups, Montana State.  

The Skyhawks are set to play the 8-4 New Hampshire Wildcats in Durham, NH on Nov. 30, at noon.

Skyhawk statistical leaders

Passing 

QB Kinkead Dent- 18-27 | 272 yards | 3 touchdowns | 1 interception 

Rushing 

RB Patrick Smith- 15 carries | 80 yards | 1 touchdown 

QB Kinkead Dent- 9 carries | 64 yards 

RB Glover Cook- 10 carries | 27 yards | 1 touchdown 

Receiving 

WR Trevonte Rucker- 5 catches | 87 yards | 2 touchdowns 

WR DeVonte Tanksley- 6 catches | 69 yards 

TE Tyler Dostin- 2 catches | 58 yards | 1 touchdown 

Defense 

LB Tevin Shipp- 10 tackles | 2 sacks 

LB Jaylon Sharpe- 7 tackles | 1 sack | 1 interception 

DL Davonte Murray- 6 tackles | 2.5 sacks | 1 forced fumble 

CB JaMichael McGoy, Jr. 6 tackles | 1 pass breakup | game sealing interception