Addy Wingard
MACOMB, Il – Western Illinois had homecoming hopes of winning 3 straight on an 85-degree Saturday afternoon. Over 4000 fans attended to support the Leathernecks in their 17-45 loss to UT Martin.
Tennessee Martin broke open the scoring early in the first quarter with a 45-yard touchdown pass out of the shotgun from Dent Kinkead to Max Dowling, deep to the left side of the field. This three-play, 75-yard drive which ate just over one minute of the game clock set the tone for the rest of the contest. UT Martin was in the driver’s seat.
The second quarter opened with a score of 14-3 in favor of the Skyhawks. The Leathernecks went three and out on their first drive of the quarter. Stomping on any homecoming hopes, the Skyhawks offense marched down the field and finished with a 33-yard touchdown run from Glover Cook. UT Martin added on later in the second quarter with another Dowling touchdown reception. Both teams headed to the locker room for halftime with the scoreboard reading 28-3, with UT Martin on top.
The first score of the second half occurred when Patrick Smith, UT Martin’s star running back, buried a 10-yard touchdown run. The lead was safe and growing for UT Martin because WIU could not get anything going on offense.
Late in the fourth quarter when this game was already in the books, Western Illinois rallied for two touchdowns. One run from Cameron Smith, and the other a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Chris Irvin to Demari Davis.
WIU head coach Joe Davis decided to make a change at quarterback in the fourth quarter and replace the starter Nate Lamb with Irvin. Irvin was a bright spot on offense for the ‘Necks throwing for 74 yards and a touchdown in limited minutes. Irvin is a transfer from Ventura College (CCCAA) after beginning his college career at Washington State.
Western Illinois falls to 2-4 and 1-1 in the Big South-OVC and UT Martin improves to 4-3 and 2-1 in Big South-OVC play heading into their bye week.
The Leathernecks have a quick turnaround facing the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech (2-4, 1-2 Big South-OVC) this Saturday, Oct. 19.
Kickoff is set for 3 P.M. The game will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+.