title image via Tennessee State Athletics
Unable to generate their own offense or stop the rushing attack of UT Martin, Tennessee State was defeated 26-7.
The Skyhawks racked up 292 yards on the ground on 53 attempts, with a pair of ball carriers each topping the 100-yard mark- Tommy Ansley ( 17-1118) and Chris Franklin ( 18-111 and 1 TD).
As has been the case for the majority of the season for Tennessee State, they struggled mightily on offense, generating just 153 yards of production, including -12 yards rushing and just 9 first downs on the afternoon.
UT Martin got the scoring going, using a methodical, defensively brutal 15-play, 94-yard drive that took 8:28 and ended with Tavern Porter’s one-yard plunge into the end zone putting the Skyhawks up 7-0.
The Skyhawks’ next score happened in the second quarter with Jase Bauer’s 1-yard run capping a 13-play, 76-yard drive that pushed Martin’s advantage to 14-0 with 5:22 left in the first half.
Special teams would put the Skyhawks’ next points on the board. Trey Cotton blocked Mark Shenouda’s punt and the ball leaked out the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety, extending the lead to 16-0. On the ensuing UT Martin possession, Chris Franklin scampered 51 yards to the house to bring the score to 23-0 at the 6:07 mark of the period. A Cade Hector 26-yard field goal stretched the UT Martin lead to 26-0 with 14:05 left in the contest.
The Tigers, whose previous possessions all ended in punts, except for one that was ended by the conclusion of the first half, were finally able to put together an effective offensive possession. The 9-play, 75-yard drive was ended on Tavern Porter’s 1-yard touchdown run, avoiding the shutout and bringing the score to its final count of 26-7.
Byron McNair completed 13 of his 23 passes for 76 yards, while Jonathan Palmer went 11 of 15 for 89 yards. Wide receiver Devaughn Slaughter was the leading rusher with a mere 12 yards, while Snap Reed caught 7 passes for 50 yards.
The Tigers return home next week to host Gardner-Webb. TSU defeated GWU 23-20 in their meeting last season. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 CST.
