Box Score
STATS
MARTIN, Tenn. – UT Martin reeled off two long runs from scrimmage in the first half as the Skyhawks won 20-10 over Eastern Illinois in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both schools. UTM improved to 1-2, 1-0 OVC while EIU fell to 0-3, 0-1 OVC.
Eastern Illinois was able to get on the board first as Sean Campbell picked off his second pass of the season to set the Panthers up at the 24-yard line. Erik Lora would haul in a 15 yard pass to put EIU in scoring position before Mon Williams plunged in from one yard out with 18 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Panthers defense continued to hold the Skyhawks in check until early in the second half. Kevin Cook nailed a 75-yard punt to change field position for EIU but Jason McNair erased that with a 68-yard touchdown run with 10:38 left in the second quarter. McNair would finish with 130 yards rushing on 25 carries.
Cameron Berra knocked home his first collegiate field goal attempt with 5:59 left in the second quarter to put EIU up 10-7 on a 27-yarder. UTM responded with a Tevin Barksdale 49-yard run with 3:48 left in the half to take the lead for good.
EIU was held scoreless in the second half for the third straight game despite a career night by Lora. The sophomore receiver hauled in 11 passes for 102 yards. Brandon Large was 16-of-32 for 138 yards but was sacked four times losing fumbles on two of those sacks.
UT Martin was able to tack on a pair of Cody Sandlin field goals in the second half. He hit from 31-yards and 26-yards. UTM had 402 yards of total offense while EIU was held to 222.
Gordy Kickels led the Panthers defense with 12 tackles while Nick Nasti added 11. Josh Bey was UTM's leading tackler with eight tackles including a sack.
EIU will host FCS No. 4 Jacksonville State next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Game Notes:
EIU has not won at UT Martin since 2001 season
EIU first 0-3 start to a season since 1999
Kevin Cook averaged 46.6 yards per punt with a long of 75
Erik Lora first EIU receiver with 10 or more receptions since 2007 (Micah Rucker)
