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Overview of the UT Martin Skyhawks
Coming off a share of its third consecutive Conference Championship, UT Martin enters the 2024 season as the favorite in the Big South-OVC, according to the preseason poll. The Skyhawks will kick off their campaign with a challenging road trip to Manhattan to take on the Kansas State Wildcats.
UT Martin finished last season with an 8-3 overall record, including a 5-1 mark in the Big South-OVC Football Association. Head coach Jason Simpson, now in his 19th season, is just two wins away from moving into third place on the OVC's all-time career wins list.
For a deep dive into what the Skyhawks bring to the table, tune into the latest installment of 'Enemy Insight' as Jon Grove interviews UT Martin's play-by-play broadcaster, Davis Gregory.
QUARTERBACK SPOTLIGHT
Returning under center for the Skyhawks is Kinkead Dent, whose entering his sixth year after spending last season with UT-Martin and the previous four years playing for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. who threw for 2,304 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Dent is aiming to elevate his game further, but he'll face his toughest test right out of the gate against K-State. To succeed, he'll need significant support from the ground game, which, unfortunately for UT Martin, has seen better days. Dent's 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions last season were solid but not spectacular. He'll need to be at his best on Saturday to give his team a fighting chance.
THE BACKFIELD OUTLOOK
Replacing the production of former star Sam Franklin, who transferred to Oklahoma, will be a tall order. Franklin's 1,378 yards and 11 touchdowns on 223 carries were the backbone of UT Martin's offense last season. Now, the burden falls on senior Narkel LeFlore, who managed 382 yards on 70 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. He'll be running into a K-State defense known for its stout run-stopping ability. The Wildcats allowed just 140 rushing yards per game last season, ranking third in the Big 12, and they return a significant portion of that defensive production.
RECEIVING THREATS
Leading the Skyhawks' receiving corps is senior Devone Taksley, who recorded 54 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns last season. Taksley has the potential to be a game-changer against the Wildcats. Alongside him, Trevonte Rucker contributed 37 catches for 469 yards and two scores, while Zoe Roberts added 29 receptions for 337 yards and six touchdowns. These weapons will need to be at their best to challenge the Wildcat secondary.
VETERAN DEFENSE
Defensively, UT Martin has some playmakers who could disrupt K-State's offense. Cornerback Oshae Baker is the standout, earning first-team All-Big South-OVC honors last year with 49 tackles, 10 pass breakups, an interception, and seven tackles for loss. Defensive end Charles Perkins contributed 2.5 sacks, and cornerback JaMichael McGoy Jr. added two interceptions and a forced fumble. Linebacker Jaylon Sharpe, a super senior, was second on the team with 63 tackles, including a team-high 36 solo tackles and seven tackles for loss.
HOW THE CATS WILL FARE
Kansas State has had mixed results against FCS opponents in recent years, dominating Southeast Missouri State 45-0 last year and South Dakota 34-0 the year before, but also struggling to a 31-23 win over Southern Illinois in 2021 and a 27-24 victory against South Dakota in 2018.
UT Martin will present a tough challenge as a strong FCS team led by a veteran coach who knows how to get the most out of his players. However, the Skyhawks lack the talent and depth of Kansas State. Moreover, they have struggled against FBS teams, going 0-10 straight up and 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 matchups. With an expected crowd of over 50,000 in Manhattan, history suggests that the Wildcats will prevail once again.
To hear the broadcast from Bill Snyder Family Stadium on 08/31 tune in at 6:00 PM to Wildcat919.com/Listen-Live
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