What Is 2010 UT Martin Skyhawks football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 4–7 overall record under head coach Jason Simpson. They competed in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and played home games at Graham Stadium.

Key Facts

The 2010 UT Martin Skyhawks finished with a 4–7 overall record
They were 3–4 in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) during the 2010 season
Head coach Jason Simpson led the team in his fourth season at UT Martin
The Skyhawks played home games at Hardy Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee
Quarterback De'Monte Poss was a key offensive leader that season

Overview

The 2010 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the team was led by head coach Jason Simpson, who was in his fourth year at the helm.

The Skyhawks played their home games at Hardy Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee, a venue known for its passionate fan base and regional significance in FCS football. Despite a challenging schedule, the team showed improvement in several offensive categories compared to previous seasons.

Record: The team finished the season with a 4–7 overall record and a 3–4 mark in OVC play, marking modest progress under Simpson’s leadership.
Head Coach: Jason Simpson, entering his fourth season, continued to rebuild the program with a focus on developing young talent and strengthening conference competitiveness.
Home Stadium: Games were hosted at Hardy Graham Stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 7,500 and features a natural grass playing surface.
Key Player: Quarterback De'Monte Poss started multiple games and led the offense, throwing for over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns during the season.
Notable Game: The Skyhawks nearly upset FBS opponent Middle Tennessee State, losing 35–34 in a close season-opening contest that highlighted their potential.

Season Performance

The 2010 campaign included a mix of competitive outings and developmental struggles, typical of a mid-tier FCS program building toward long-term success. The Skyhawks faced a rigorous non-conference slate before diving into OVC matchups against regional rivals.

Offensive Output: The team averaged 20.5 points per game, showing improvement over the previous season’s 18.2 average, thanks to a more balanced attack.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed 26.8 points per game, struggling particularly against the run in several key conference losses.
Rushing Game: Running back Reggie Ford emerged as a consistent threat, rushing for 573 yards and five touchdowns on the season.
Passing Attack: Poss completed 56% of his passes for 1,217 yards, though the team threw 10 interceptions, indicating areas for growth.
Special Teams: Kicker Tyler Drummond converted 7 of 11 field goal attempts, with a long of 44 yards, providing reliable scoring when in range.
Turnover Margin: The Skyhawks finished with a turnover margin of -0.6 per game, reflecting ongoing issues with ball security.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2010 Skyhawks compared to recent seasons and conference peers is evident in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points Per Game	Head Coach
2008	4–7	3–5	18.2	Jason Simpson (2nd year)
2009	3–8	2–6	18.2	Jason Simpson (3rd year)
2010	4–7	3–4	20.5	Jason Simpson (4th year)
2011	6–5	4–4	23.1	Jason Simpson (5th year)
2012	7–4	5–3	26.3	Jason Simpson (6th year)

The data shows a clear upward trajectory beginning in 2010, as the team improved its offensive production and conference win total. While not a postseason qualifier, the season laid the foundation for stronger performances in the following years, particularly in 2011 and 2012.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was a transitional year that signaled the beginning of sustained improvement for the UT Martin football program. It demonstrated resilience and incremental growth under consistent leadership.

Program Development: The season marked the start of a turnaround, with wins increasing in subsequent years under Simpson’s guidance.
Recruiting Impact: Competitive performances helped attract higher-caliber athletes to the OVC program in future classes.
Conference Standing: Improved OVC record boosted the team’s reputation among conference peers and in national FCS rankings.
Player Development: Young players gained critical experience, contributing to deeper rosters in later successful seasons.
Fan Engagement: Close games and a near-upset of an FBS team energized the local fan base and increased attendance.
Long-Term Success: The foundation laid in 2010 contributed to UT Martin’s first FCS playoff appearance in 2017.

The 2010 UT Martin Skyhawks may not have made headlines nationally, but their season played a crucial role in the program’s long-term ascent within the FCS landscape.