Saturday’s matchup between two nationally ranked Football Championship Subdivision conference rivals came down to the final play as the University of Tennessee at Martin prevailed in an overtime thriller, 28-27 at Eastern Illinois.
The No. 18 ranked Skyhawks forced overtime after Jarid Johnson rose high above the crowd to block a potential game-winning 40-yard field goal try as time expired in regulation. UT Martin received the ball to open overtime and struck first as Kinkead Dent hit Max Dowling for a seven-yard scoring strike, the second touchdown of the game for the redshirt freshman tight end out of Buffalo, NY.
Entering the contest boasting their first national ranking of the season, the No. 25 Panthers pulled to within one with a touchdown on the ensuing possession. Eastern Illinois went for the win with a two-point conversion attempt but the Skyhawk defense stood their ground as the pass attempt was no good thanks to a pass breakup from Carson Evans.
UT Martin’s bye week is next on the schedule as the Skyhawks will rest up before returning to the gridiron on Saturday, Oct. 21 against league foe Charleston Southern. Kickoff from Hardy Graham Stadium is set for 2.
