UT MARTIN FOOTBALL FALTERS DOWN THE STRETCH EN ROUTE TO 28-14 LOSS AT SIU

Saturday, September 14

Carbondale, Ill.

6 p.m.

UT Martin

1-2

Southern Illinois

2-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

UT Martin

Southern Illinois

UT MARTIN FOOTBALL FALTERS DOWN THE STRETCH EN ROUTE TO 28-14 LOSS AT SIU

9/14/2019 9:59:00 PM | Football

Box Score PDF Photo Gallery Postgame: Simpson Photo Gallery

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The University of Tennessee at Martin football team scored on the first two drives of the game before allowing 28 unanswered points to Southern Illinois, dropping the road decision 28-14 on Saturday night.

The Skyhawks (1-2) jumped out to an early lead as the offense looked like a well-oiled machine, tallying 136 yards on the first two drives of the contest which capping the possessions with rushing touchdowns by the tandem of Jaimiee Bowe and Peyton Logan.

Despite holding a 14-point lead early in the contest, UT Martin struggled down the stretch, totaling just 276 yards of total offense while the defense failed to contain a wildcat-based offense, allowing 28 unanswered points and 363 yards of total offense.

"We didn't coach very well and we didn't play very well," UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson said. "The first two drives, we should how we were capable of playing. Then when you allow four sacks, fumble the football, throw an interception on the last drive and can't sustain drives, that's unacceptable. We are our worst enemy. I'm disappointed because we are better a team than we showed today."

Gallery: (9/14/2019) Football at Southern Illinois

Redshirt-freshman quarterback John Bachus III completed 18-of-28 passes for 212 yards and one interception. Senior receiver Jaylon Moore paced the core with four catches for 79 yards. Meanwhile the rushing tandem of Logan (65 yards) and Bowe (20 yards) both rattled off touchdowns. The one-yard score by Bowe was especially memorable, as it marked his 18^th career rushing touchdown to move into a tie for fifth place in program history.

The defensive tandem of JaQuez Akins and TJ Jefferson each tallied 12 tackles to lead all defenders. Senior DaVonte Maura notched the team's lone tackle for loss while the pair of Jefferson and Tamel McCall both tallied forced fumbles. The highlight on the defensive end came on D'Carrious Stephens' first career interception in the first quarter.

Southern Illinois (2-1) recorded its first home victory since 2017 while putting its strength behind running back Javon Williams, Jr. who tallied 22 carries for 138 yards and two touchdowns – primarily out of the wildcat set while fellow back D.J. Davis also notched 23 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown scamper.

UT Martin will move into its bye week before returning to open Ohio Valley Conference play at home against Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 28. Kickoff from Family Weekend at Hardy M. Graham Stadium is at 6 p.m.