What Is 2017 Austin Peay Governors football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Austin Peay Governors football team represented Austin Peay State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 4–7 record under head coach Will Healy, who was in his second year.

Key Facts

The 2017 Austin Peay Governors finished with a 4–7 overall record
They played in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and went 3–4 in conference play
Head coach Will Healy led the team in his second season
The team played home games at Governors Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee
Austin Peay scored 280 total points, averaging 25.5 points per game

Overview

The 2017 Austin Peay Governors football team represented Austin Peay State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the Governors were led by second-year head coach Will Healy and played their home games at Governors Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The season marked continued progress for the program after a historic turnaround in 2016, when the team ended a 29-game losing streak. In 2017, the Governors aimed to build on that momentum and improve their standing within the competitive FCS landscape.

Record: The team finished the season with a 4–7 overall record and a 3–4 mark in OVC play, showing improvement from previous years.
Head Coach:Will Healy was in his second season and continued to rebuild the program with an aggressive offensive philosophy.
Stadium: All home games were played at Governors Stadium, a 10,000-seat facility located on the university’s campus.
Offensive Output: The team scored 280 total points across 11 games, averaging 25.5 points per game, one of the higher marks in the OVC.
Key Game: A 38–31 victory over Eastern Illinois on October 14 was a highlight, showcasing the team’s offensive potential.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign featured a mix of promising wins and narrow losses, reflecting a team in transition. Austin Peay showed significant improvement in offensive execution but struggled defensively against stronger OVC opponents.

September 9: A 34–31 win over Tennessee Tech marked the team’s first victory of the season and demonstrated late-game resilience.
Quarterback Play:Devon O’Gorman and Troy Giffin split time, combining for 2,100 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Running Game:JaVaughn Craig led the team with 721 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 137 carries.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed 33.6 points per game, among the highest averages in the FCS, indicating areas for improvement.
Non-Conference Play: The Governors faced tough opponents like Mississippi State, losing 17–7, but competed well in hostile environments.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Austin Peay Governors with other OVC teams based on key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed Per Game
Austin Peay	4–7	3–4	25.5	33.6
Eastern Kentucky	5–6	4–4	27.1	26.8
Tennessee State	5–6	4–4	23.6	27.5
UT Martin	5–6	4–4	24.9	29.1
Eastern Illinois	3–8	2–5	22.3	32.7

The table shows that while Austin Peay ranked near the middle in scoring offense, their defensive struggles placed them at a disadvantage compared to peers. Despite a losing record, the Governors outperformed some teams with better overall marks in points scored, indicating offensive promise under Healy’s system.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal chapter in the rebuilding of Austin Peay’s football program. It demonstrated that with the right leadership and offensive strategy, the Governors could compete in the OVC and attract talent.

Program Momentum: The 4–7 record continued the upward trend after ending a 29-game losing streak in 2016.
Recruiting Impact: Success on the field helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent classes.
Coach Healy’s Vision: The fast-paced offense became a model for future FCS programs aiming to modernize.
Fan Engagement: Improved performance led to increased attendance and campus enthusiasm.
Conference Relevance: Competitive games kept Austin Peay in OVC conversations despite a losing record.
Foundation for 2018: The 2017 season laid the groundwork for a 7–4 record in 2018 and an FCS playoff appearance.

The 2017 Austin Peay Governors may not have made postseason play, but their season was instrumental in transforming the program’s identity and setting the stage for future success.