A Quick Look At UTM

This is a gigantic game this weekend. The one point loss to UTM kept JSU out of the playoffs last year. I'll never forget the UTM fumble on the last drive that JSU almost picked up and would have probably returned for a TD. It was a game where everything went wrong for JSU. They were playing on 4 days rest, were decimated with injuries at fullback and defensive end and had to make the long drive to Martin-the last two hours of which are on unpaved roads. Its payback time.

Martin is 2-2 on the season. They played their traditionally strong opener, beating Iowa Wesleyan A&M Tech Southeast 56-0.

Martin followed that with a 24-14 loss to Missouri State. Pre-Season OVC Player of the Year, Cade Thompson, put up some good numbers going 21-34 for 195 yards and UTM did have 322 yards of offense. Overall, however, it was a bad day for Martin. Coach Bart Simpson summed it up: "I thought the whole day was a total debacle. We didn't coach well. We didn't play good. It all starts with me."

Martin's next game was against FCS Memphis. The game was never in doubt with Martin falling behind 31-0. UTM was penalized 18 times for 157 yards. There were bright spots for Martin, however. Senior running back, Miguel Barnes rushed for over 100 yards for the second time this season.

Martin got back in the win column last week beating SEMO at home 29-22. The game may not have been as close as it sounded as SEMO added a touchdown with just 1:58 left in the game. Also, the Pacers were missing 5 starters with injuries. Interestng stat: Martin was penalized 14 times for 170 yards. Again, running back Miguel Barnes broke the 100 yard mark, rushing 22 times for 105 yards.

Martin has five bona fide playmakers: 1) South Carolina transfer and pre-season OVC Player of the year, Cade Thompson at quarterback; 2) Memphis transfer, Miguel Barnes at running back; 3) former Ole Miss starter, Michael Hicks 4) WR Eunique Williams who had 117 receiving yards against Memphis; and 5) preseason all OVC RB Brandyn Young (who has been injured). Something tells me this year's Gamecock defense is looking forward to the challenge.