With the kickoff of the fall semester at UTM, comes the kickoff of a new Skyhawk football season.
Last year the team’s schedule began with a win as UTM faced Clarion at home.
Then UTM traveled south to Ole Miss to face the Rebels. Though UTM went into the half only down by one, the Rebels rallied and defeated the Skyhawks 45-23, leaving UTM to begin their OVC play.
The Skyhawks started strong in the OVC, going 2-0 against UTC and Tennessee State, leaving them with a 3-1 record to begin the season.
However, the streak didn’t stay strong long.
After defeating Tennessee State 31-16, the Skyhawks dropped three games straight, and ultimately ended the season with an overall record of 6-5 and a conference record of 4-4.
This year UTM will begin the season at Missouri for their usual SEC game. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Skyhawks will have a 1.6 percent chance to win; an overwhelming underdog in a meeting that has never happened before. The team’s next game will be at MTSU, where ESPN gives the Skyhawks a 7.9 percent chance of winning. The Blue Raiders do hold a convincing series record over UTM as in past meetings it stands at 8-21-1.
The Skyhawks will come back to Martin for their first home game of the season against UTC. The UTC game will be followed by arguably UTM’s two biggest rivalries: first, Austin Peay at home, and then traveling to Murray State to face the Racers.
One offensive player to watch out for from the Skyhawks is senior running back Ladarius Galloway. He transferred to UTM from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 2017.
Galloway finished last year with 859 yards on the ground and another 307 yards receiving, with four touchdowns. 157 of those 859 yards came in the first game of the year against Clarion in 2017.
By the end of the year, Galloway earned himself a spot on the All OVC second team He also averaged 106.0 all-purpose yards per game.
Another number to search for on the field is the owner of jersey number three, sophomore quarterback Dresser Winn.
Last year as a freshman, Winn started in five games for the Skyhawks, where he completed 50 of 90 passes for 744 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. His senior year at Dresden High School, Winn led his team to a perfect 16-0 record and the school’s first state championship title. Expectations are high for the young quarterback, and many are excited to see what he can do in his second season with the Skyhawks.
To follow the Skyhawks’ first game, tune into Mix 101.3 FM or WUTM 90.3 FM for live coverage.
To keep up with all things Skyhawk sports, be sure to check back on The Pacer online.
