It's been 34 years since the UT Martin Skyhawks left Burgess-Snow Field with a victory; that streak ended this Saturday when UT Martin stunned the ninth-ranked Jacksonville State Gamecocks, 34-31. 24 second-half points from the Hawks made the difference in the outcome as they fought back from a 14-point deficit to finally take the lead with 10:34 left in the fourth quarter.
UT Martin Quarterback Keon Howard was a catalyst in the Skyhawks' historic victory. The Tulane graduate transfer completed 79.2 percent of his passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those scores going to freshman wideout Zoe Roberts who totaled four receptions for 73 yards in the contest.
The freshman coming out party continued on the defensive side with defensive back Oshae Baker. Baker racked up six total tackles along with two passes defended and one quarterback hit. Senior safety JaQuez Akins led the team with 1.5 tackles for a loss and one sack on JSU Quarterback Zerrick Cooper.
UT Martin will get a week to recover and regroup; then the 23rd-ranked Skyhawks will host the Murray State Racers for homecoming on October 9th. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m..