What Is 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Jason Simpson.

Key Facts

The 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks finished with a 5–6 overall record
They played in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and went 4–4 in conference play
Head coach Jason Simpson was in his 12th season leading the program
The team played home games at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee
Quarterback Owen McCown started most games before transferring after the season

Overview

The 2017 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 12th year at the helm. The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, located on campus in Martin, Tennessee.

That season, the team showed resilience and competitive balance, finishing with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play. Despite falling short of a playoff berth, the Skyhawks demonstrated steady improvement in key offensive and defensive metrics. The season included notable performances against regional rivals and set the foundation for future recruiting and program development.

Record: The team finished the 2017 season with a 5–6 overall record, marking their first losing season since 2012.
Conference: As members of the Ohio Valley Conference, the Skyhawks posted a 4–4 conference record, placing them in the middle of the OVC standings.
Head Coach:Jason Simpson led the team in his 12th season, maintaining a consistent presence and long-term vision for the program.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Graham Stadium, a 10,500-seat venue located in Martin, Tennessee.
Quarterback:Owen McCown started most games at QB but transferred after the season, impacting future roster planning.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign featured a mix of close losses and hard-fought victories, highlighting both the team’s potential and areas needing improvement. The Skyhawks faced a challenging non-conference schedule before diving into OVC play, testing their depth and adaptability throughout the fall.

Early Season: The Skyhawks opened with a loss to North Dakota, 31–28, in a tight season opener on September 2, 2017.
Key Win: A 27–24 overtime victory over Eastern Illinois on October 14 was a highlight, showcasing clutch offensive execution.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Darion Coleman recorded 87 tackles, leading the team in defensive impact.
Offensive Stats: The team averaged 24.3 points per game and 378.2 total yards per game, indicating moderate offensive efficiency.
Special Teams: Kicker Matthew Nichols made 10 of 14 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games.
Season Finale: The year ended with a 38–21 loss to Jacksonville State, a top OVC contender, on November 18.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks with other OVC teams based on key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points Per Game	Head Coach
UT Martin	5–6	4–4	24.3	Jason Simpson
Jacksonville State	9–4	7–1	34.1	John Grass
Eastern Illinois	6–5	4–4	28.7	Kim Dameron
Tennessee State	3–8	2–6	21.5	Edmund Cooley
Morehead State	4–7	3–5	20.8	Rob Tenyer

The table illustrates that UT Martin was competitive within the conference, matching Eastern Illinois in OVC wins but trailing in scoring and overall record. Jacksonville State’s dominance highlighted the gap between top-tier and mid-tier OVC programs. UT Martin’s performance placed them in the middle of the pack, reflecting a team in transition with solid fundamentals but room for growth. The comparison underscores the importance of depth and consistency in FCS football.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the UT Martin football program, offering insights into coaching stability, player development, and conference competitiveness. While not a championship year, it provided valuable experience for younger athletes and helped shape future recruiting strategies.

Program Stability:Jason Simpson’s long tenure offered continuity, rare in modern college football, aiding long-term planning.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, setting the stage for 2018 and beyond.
Recruiting Impact: Competitive games against strong OVC teams helped attract regional talent to the program.
Conference Relevance: A .500 OVC record kept UT Martin relevant in conference discussions and media coverage.
Facility Use: Consistent home attendance at Graham Stadium supported local engagement and student involvement.
Foundation for Growth: The season’s challenges highlighted areas for improvement, informing offseason training and strategy.

Ultimately, the 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks season was a building block rather than a breakthrough. It demonstrated the team’s ability to compete in a tough conference and laid the groundwork for future success under steady leadership.