MACOMB, Ill. – The University of Tennessee at Martin football team could not slow down the high-powered offense of Western Illinois in the host’s Homecoming matchup, falling on the road by a final 55-24 margin at Hanson Field.
UT Martin (3-5, 2-1 OVC) totaled 366 yards of offense and stayed within striking distance for much of the contest before Western Illinois (4-4, 2-1 OVC) closed the game with a 17-point fourth quarter to seal the conference matchup.
The Skyhawks found some success through the air, as quarterback Tate Surber completed 18-of-34 pass attempts for a career-high 266 yards but also threw two turnovers to stall offensive drives. Keyshaun Pipkin paced the team with four receptions and 77 yards – including a 47-yard reception to set up a scoring drive early in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, Deuce Oliver eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career with a game-high 119 yards – including a 79-yard pass reception – which led to a Skyhawk touchdown.
Western Illinois did a nice job of keeping the UT Martin rushing offense in check throughout the game, limiting the Skyhawks to a season-low 90 rushing yards. Despite the tough running lanes, Jaydon Pee...