What Is 2019 UT Martin Skyhawks football team

Overview

The 2019 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 in his 14th year at the helm. The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, located on campus in Martin, Tennessee.

The 2019 campaign saw the Skyhawks achieve a winning record, finishing with a 7–5 overall mark and a 5–3 conference record. Despite strong performances in several games, they narrowly missed qualifying for the FCS playoffs. The team demonstrated consistent offensive production and solid defensive efforts throughout the season.

• Season Record: The Skyhawks finished the 2019 season with a 7–5 overall record and a 5–3 record in the Ohio Valley Conference.
• Head Coach: Jason Simpson led the team in his 14th season, maintaining a steady program with multiple winning campaigns over his tenure.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Graham Stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 10,500.
• Offensive Output: The team scored 277 total points across 12 games, averaging 23.1 points per game during the season.
• Playoff Eligibility: Despite a winning record, the Skyhawks did not receive an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, ending their season in November.

Key Players and Performances

The 2019 season featured several standout athletes who contributed significantly to the Skyhawks’ success. Quarterback average passing yards and defensive leaders helped stabilize the team through a competitive OVC schedule.

• Dakota Woods: The starting quarterback threw for 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the team in passing efficiency.
• DeMeinzer Scott: A key wide receiver who recorded 45 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns during the season.
• Jeremy Banks: A defensive standout who tallied 78 total tackles, including 9.5 for loss, anchoring the linebacker corps.
• Special Teams: Kicker Jacob Kring converted 10 of 13 field goal attempts, providing reliable scoring in close games.
• Defensive Line: The unit recorded 28 sacks on the season, led by consistent pressure from end players.
• Rushing Attack: Running back D.J. MacLeay rushed for 537 yards and four touchdowns, serving as the primary ball carrier.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 UT Martin Skyhawks compared to other top teams in the Ohio Valley Conference during the season:

The table highlights that UT Martin’s performance was competitive within the OVC, though Morehead State edged them in conference play. Their point differential of +7 indicated a closely contested season, with most games decided by single digits. Compared to FCS playoff teams like Montana, the Skyhawks lacked the late-season momentum needed for postseason inclusion.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was significant for maintaining program stability and building momentum under long-tenured coach Jason Simpson. The Skyhawks continued to establish themselves as a consistent mid-tier FCS program.

• Program Consistency: The 7–5 record marked another winning season, reinforcing UT Martin’s competitive presence in the OVC.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, setting the foundation for future seasons.
• Recruiting Impact: Strong performances helped boost recruiting efforts in Tennessee and surrounding states.
• Conference Standing: The 5–3 OVC record placed them near the top, enhancing their reputation among league peers.
• Facility Growth: Continued investment in Graham Stadium improved game-day experience and fan engagement.
• Future Outlook: The 2019 season laid groundwork for the 2020 campaign, despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Overall, the 2019 UT Martin Skyhawks exemplified resilience and steady growth. While they fell short of postseason play, their performance underscored the program’s long-term trajectory and commitment to excellence in NCAA Division I FCS football.