In an impressive display of strength, UT Martin secured a decisive 37-7 victory over Gardner-Webb on Saturday in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The Skyhawks showcased a balanced offense while also capitalizing on defensive takeaways, marking a significant moment in their season.
Game Highlights
John Gentry led the rushing attack for UT Martin, accumulating 90 yards. Chris Franklin contributed significantly with a remarkable 66-yard touchdown run, which capped off the offensive effort.
First Half Dominance
- UT Martin rushed for a total of 244 yards.
- The team completed 164 yards in passing.
- Jace Bauer threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Dazalin Worsham, establishing a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
- Bauer added a 15-yard touchdown run, bringing the halftime score to 20-0.
Defensive Prowess
The UT Martin defense was relentless, securing four crucial takeaways, three of which were interceptions. This strong defensive performance played a vital role in stifling Gardner-Webb’s offensive efforts.
Second Half and Final Scoring
Continuing their dominance, UT Martin led 23-0 through the third quarter. Franklin’s long touchdown run came with just four minutes left in the game, solidifying the team’s commanding victory.
Quarterback Performance
Jace Bauer enjoyed a stellar game, completing 15 of 16 passes for 164 yards, achieving an impressive quarterback rating of 200.5. In contrast, Gardner-Webb’s Cole Pennington passed for 236 yards but faced difficulties, throwing three interceptions.
Player Stats
| Player | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|
| John Gentry | 90 rushing yards | – |
| Chris Franklin | 66 rushing yards (1 TD) | 1 |
| Jace Bauer | 164 passing yards (2 TD) | 2 |
| Cole Pennington | 236 passing yards | – |
Impact of the Game
This victory improved UT Martin’s record to 3-5 overall and 3-1 in the OVC-Big South conference. For Gardner-Webb, the defeat marked a challenging homecoming game, bringing their record to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the conference.
UT Martin’s dominant performance highlights their potential as they continue their season, combining a balanced offense with a formidable defense.
