Saturday, September 11
Martin, Tenn.
6 p.m.
UT Martin
vs
Samford
UT MARTIN FOOTBALL TO HOST SAMFORD IN HOME-OPENER ON SATURDAY FOR FAMILY WEEKEND
9/7/2021 10:46:00 AM | Football
The University of Tennessee at Martin football team will make its home debut at Hardy Graham Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11 when playing host to former Ohio Valley Conference rival Samford. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and serves as a highlight to Family Weekend. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
UT Martin is looking to give the fans a show in the team's home opener after posting a 13-2 mark in its home debut at Graham Stadium since 2006. Historically, the Skyhawks have averaged 46.3 points per game in home openers while posting an average margin of victory of 31.9 points during that span.
The Skyhawks (0-1) are coming off a 59-21 loss in the team's season opener last week at FBS foe Western Kentucky. UT Martin jumped out to an early lead by scoring a touchdown on its first drive while recording an interception on the team's first defensive drive to take the early momentum. After the quick start by the Skyhawks, the Hilltoppers took control from there by throwing for eight touchdowns through the air – including seven from the nation's leading passer Bailey Zappe.
Highlighting the contest was the play of graduate transfer quarterback Keon Howard who tallied 239 yards of total offense while posting three total touchdowns – including two rushing and one passing – en route to OVC Newcomer of the Week honors. Howard's two rushing touchdowns marked the first time a Skyhawk quarterback has rushed for multiple touchdowns in a single game since 2007 against Samford. Junior receiver Colton Dowell also impressed, tallying his sixth 100-yard receiving game of his career while notching his 12th career touchdown reception.
Tyler Larco earned his third OVC Specialist of the Week honor of his career after averaging 46.3 yards per punt – including a 67-yard attempt. Graduate cornerback Jay Woods forced the lone turnover for the Skyhawk defense, snatching an interception on the opening defensive drive of the game. Junior safety Deven Sims also posted a big game, leading all players with 10 total tackles.
Samford (1-0) opened the season with a 52-14 home victory over Tennessee Tech last Thursday. The Bulldogs posted 475 yards of total offense along with six touchdowns. Quarterback Liam Welch threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns while receiver Montrell Washington tallied eight catches for 170 yards. On the defensive end, Lamar Anderson led the team with nine total tackles while the team as a whole posted 7.0 tackles for loss – including three sacks.
Saturday's contest marks the 20th meeting between the former OVC rivals with Samford holding a 15-3-1 advantage in the series. The two teams have not met since 2007 while the Skyhawks enter the contest winning the last two matchups against the Bulldogs.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with John Hatler (play-by-play), Chris Brinkley (analyst) and Derek Carr (analyst) calling the action. Fans can also tune into WCMT Radio 1410 AM/100.5 FM for the radio broadcast. Those links – in addition to live stats – can be found at the top of the page.
UT Martin is looking to give the fans a show in the team's home opener after posting a 13-2 mark in its home debut at Graham Stadium since 2006. Historically, the Skyhawks have averaged 46.3 points per game in home openers while posting an average margin of victory of 31.9 points during that span.
The Skyhawks (0-1) are coming off a 59-21 loss in the team's season opener last week at FBS foe Western Kentucky. UT Martin jumped out to an early lead by scoring a touchdown on its first drive while recording an interception on the team's first defensive drive to take the early momentum. After the quick start by the Skyhawks, the Hilltoppers took control from there by throwing for eight touchdowns through the air – including seven from the nation's leading passer Bailey Zappe.
Highlighting the contest was the play of graduate transfer quarterback Keon Howard who tallied 239 yards of total offense while posting three total touchdowns – including two rushing and one passing – en route to OVC Newcomer of the Week honors. Howard's two rushing touchdowns marked the first time a Skyhawk quarterback has rushed for multiple touchdowns in a single game since 2007 against Samford. Junior receiver Colton Dowell also impressed, tallying his sixth 100-yard receiving game of his career while notching his 12th career touchdown reception.
Tyler Larco earned his third OVC Specialist of the Week honor of his career after averaging 46.3 yards per punt – including a 67-yard attempt. Graduate cornerback Jay Woods forced the lone turnover for the Skyhawk defense, snatching an interception on the opening defensive drive of the game. Junior safety Deven Sims also posted a big game, leading all players with 10 total tackles.
Samford (1-0) opened the season with a 52-14 home victory over Tennessee Tech last Thursday. The Bulldogs posted 475 yards of total offense along with six touchdowns. Quarterback Liam Welch threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns while receiver Montrell Washington tallied eight catches for 170 yards. On the defensive end, Lamar Anderson led the team with nine total tackles while the team as a whole posted 7.0 tackles for loss – including three sacks.
Saturday's contest marks the 20th meeting between the former OVC rivals with Samford holding a 15-3-1 advantage in the series. The two teams have not met since 2007 while the Skyhawks enter the contest winning the last two matchups against the Bulldogs.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with John Hatler (play-by-play), Chris Brinkley (analyst) and Derek Carr (analyst) calling the action. Fans can also tune into WCMT Radio 1410 AM/100.5 FM for the radio broadcast. Those links – in addition to live stats – can be found at the top of the page.
Players Mentioned
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