Skyhawks Triumph in 27-20 Overtime Win at EIU
The University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks secured a thrilling 27-20 overtime victory against Eastern Illinois on Saturday. The win allowed the Skyhawks to improve their record to 4-5 overall and 4-1 in the OVC-Big South standings, marking their third consecutive win and taking sole possession of second place in the conference.
Game Highlights
- First Quarter: Cade Hechter kicked a 28-yard field goal, giving Skyhawks an early lead.
- Eastern Illinois responded with a touchdown from Cole LaCrue to Cooper Willman, but a blocked extra point kept it 6-3.
- Hechter added another field goal before halftime, tying the game at 6-6.
- LaCrue’s 13-yard touchdown pass to CJ Nelson put the Panthers ahead 13-6 in the third quarter.
- Jase Bauer connected with Tommy Ansley for a 25-yard touchdown, tying the game 13-13.
- Eastern Illinois regained the lead with Connor Wolf’s touchdown to Landers Green in the fourth quarter.
- UT Martin tied the game again with a touchdown from Bauer with just 46 seconds left.
- A missed 41-yard field goal from EIU sent the game into overtime.
Overtime Action
In overtime, UT Martin struck first with a six-yard touchdown pass from Bauer to Bryce Bailey, taking a 27-20 lead. The defense responded strongly, stopping EIU’s offense in critical moments, including a significant tackle for loss by Keyshawn Johnson, sealing the Skyhawks’ victory.
Player Performances
- Jase Bauer: Completed 22 of 29 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Rushed for an additional 64 yards and a touchdown.
- Chris Franklin: Led the ground game with 79 yards on 10 carries.
- Jacob Stevenson: 7 tackles, leading the defense.
- Shamari Weir: Contributed with 6 tackles and a 4-yard sack.
- Keyshawn Johnson: Recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and forced a fumble.
Upcoming Matches
UT Martin will return home to face Tennessee State on Saturday, November 8, at 1 p.m. The Skyhawks aim to build on their recent success as they head into the final weeks of the season.
Head coach Jason Simpson expressed satisfaction with the win but emphasized the need for improvement. “We played better two weeks ago. We must rise to the occasion in our next three games,” he stated.
