UT Martin defeated Charleston Southern 20-10 on Saturday afternoon, securing a road victory during the Buccaneers’ final homestand of the season, according to Live 5 News.
The Skyhawks struck first on their second possession following a short-field setup off a big punt return. Tate Surber punched in a four-yard touchdown run to cap a five-play, 20-yard drive.
Charleston Southern answered with a six-play, 44-yard drive ending in a 33-yard field goal by Matt Rolader. That kick narrowed the deficit to 7-3.
Late in the first quarter, UT Martin intercepted a pass from Jared Echols and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score extended the visitor lead to 14-3.
Just before halftime, the Buccaneers stopped a fake punt attempt by UT Martin at the UTM 37-yard line. Dwayne Wright finished the ensuing eight-play possession with a two-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 14-10 at the break.
Neither side scored during the third quarter. UT Martin sealed the win in the fourth by adding two field goals—a 43-yard kick with seven minutes left and a 41-yard conversion with three minutes remaining.
A big defensive effort and clutch kicking lifts @UTM_FOOTBALL to a 20-10 road win at Charleston Southern#MartinMade | #OVCithttps://t.co/tdhrMgRNiC
Charleston Southern split quarterback duties between Jared Echols, who threw for 100 yards, and Caden Clay, who tallied 76 passing yards. Quay Kindell caught five passes for 73 yards and completed a 19-yard pass.
Tristan Lennon paced the Charleston Southern defense with 11 tackles, while Steve Zayachkowsky added nine. The Buccaneers conclude their home schedule next weekend by hosting Southeast Missouri State for Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day.
