The UTM Skyhawk football team opened their 2019 season against the Northwestern State Demons at home on Aug. 29 and snagged the first win of the 2019 season.
The Skyhawks found themselves down 14-20 at halftime, but a second half rally led to a 42-20 comeback victory. The UTM offense was led by rusher Peyton Logan, who had 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback John Bachus III finished 8 for 20 for 130 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Defensive Player of the Week Terry Williams ran back a punt 55-yards, and OVC Special Teams Player of the Week Wanya Moton added a 78-yard pick six for the Skyhawks’ two non-offensive touchdowns.
The Skyhawks will now turn their attention to No. 10 Florida (1-0). The undefeated Skyhawks (1-0) will travel to Gainesville to compete in the Florida Gators’ home-opener.
Florida finished last season 10-3 and third in the SEC East in 2018, defeating the Michigan Wolverines in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl 41-15.
They opened up FBS college football in the first game of the season. Florida struggled to beat Miami in a 24-20 neutral site game, though Florida has had an off week in between games to prepare for their match against UTM.
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks had inconsistent play and sideline antics which have distracted from the Gators’ campaign for another National Title. He finished 17-27, 254 yards, 2 TD, and 2 INT.
The Skyhawks seek to become the Gators’ second FCS loss in school history following Georgia Southern’s legendary 26-20 upset in 2013. It is the first meeting between the teams in history; however, the Skyhawks defensive line coach Clint McMillan played defensive tackle for the Gators between 2004-07.
For the Skyhawks, this is arguably the toughest opponent they will have to face this year.
The two starting quarterbacks, the aforementioned Franks and UTM starter junior Dresser Winn both had vastly different seasons in 2018.
In 2018, Franks racked up 24 touchdowns and 2,457 yards against only six interceptions. On the other hand, Winn was having a moderately successful season in 2018 with 12 touchdowns to nine interceptions before suffering a season-ending injury in week seven.
UTM might roll with backup QB Bachus again, who performed admirably versus NSU in week one.
On paper, the amount of firepower on Florida’s roster trumps what the Skyhawks have, but that’s to be expected with an FBS opponent like Florida.
Despite UTM’s rough 2018 campaign, the Skyhawks still boasted one of the best defenses in the OVC, ranking third in touchdowns allowed and second in yards per game.
There have been some significant changes to UTM’s roster, but the defense still looks solid on paper.
If the Skyhawks are going to beat the Gators, it’ll most likely have to be on the back of the defense.
But if Winn or Bachus can repeat their prior performances and the Skyhawks come out with the same ferocity they had against Northwestern State, UTM might just escape Gainesville with a win.
UTM will face the University of Florida Gators for the first time in program history on Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida. Both teams sit at 1-0 going into the matchup. The game can be watched on ESPNU. | Photo Credit / Sports Information
