UT Martin Defeats Charleston Southern 20-10 in Saturday Victory

UT Martin Defeats Charleston Southern 20-10 on Saturday

UT Martin defeated Charleston Southern by a final score of 20-10 on Saturday afternoon. The matchup marked the continuation of the Buccaneers’ final homestand of the season in Charleston.

The Skyhawks struck first on their second possession of the game following a big punt return. The offense needed just five plays to cover 20 yards, with Tate Surber punching in a touchdown from four yards out to establish an early lead.

Charleston Southern answered with a six-play, 44-yard drive that culminated in Matt Rolader kicking a 33-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to 7-3. Later in the opening quarter, UT Martin intercepted a pass from Jared Echols and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown, pushing the advantage to 14-3.

Charleston Southern Capitalizes on Short Field Before Late Field Goals Secure UT Martin Win

Before halftime, the Buccaneers’ defense caught a break when they stuffed a fake punt attempt by UT Martin at the UTM 37-yard line. Capitalizing on the short field, Charleston Southern marched 37 yards across eight plays, capped by a two-yard touchdown run from Dwayne Wright that brought the score to 14-10 just before the break.

Neither side found the end zone during a scoreless third quarter. UT Martin eventually broke the stalemate in the final period, adding a 43-yard field goal with seven minutes remaining and a 41-yard kick with three minutes left on the clock to secure the 20-10 victory and put the game out of reach.

A big defensive effort and clutch kicking lifts @UTM_FOOTBALL to a 20-10 road win at Charleston Southern#MartinMade | #OVCithttps://t.co/tdhrMgRNiC

— https://x.com/utmsports/status/2119210246476378553

Charleston Southern Splits Quarterback Duties Before Hosting Southeast Missouri State

Charleston Southern split quarterback duties between Jared Echols and Caden Clay. Echols finished with 100 passing yards, while Clay added 76 yards through the air. Quay Kindell contributed 19 yards on a completed pass and led the receiving corps with five catches for 73 yards. On defense, Tristan Lennon paced the Buccaneers with 11 tackles, and Steve Zayachkowsky recorded nine.

The Buccaneers will wrap up their home schedule next weekend by hosting Southeast Missouri State. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the game broadcast live on ESPN+ as part of the program’s Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day celebrations.