NASHVILLE, Tenn. — UT Martin rallied past Tennessee State 42-28 on Saturday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., erasing a 21-7 deficit to win the Sgt. York Trophy for the 12th time.
Tennessee State built a 21-7 lead and outgained UT Martin 391-307, but the Skyhawks scored 28 unanswered points and outscored the Tigers 28-7 after halftime. Farand Washington returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 21 in the third quarter, the program longest fumble return for a score, and Joel Castleberry added a 23-yard interception return.
Daylin Lee completed 20 of 39 passes for 376 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions for Tennessee State. Cam Bulluck caught seven passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns, including a 99-yard score.
UT Martin rushed for 193 yards and four touchdowns. Chris Franklin carried 22 times for 82 yards and two scores, and Makhia Sherrard broke a 34-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-6 to give the Skyhawks their first lead. UT Martin turned four Tennessee State turnovers into 21 points and held the Tigers to 15 rushing yards on 21 attempts.
The win was the 100th career Ohio Valley Conference victory for UT Martin coach Jason Simpson in his 21st season. UT Martin improved to 2-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Tennessee State fell to 1-5 and 0-2.
Bryce Gray led the Tennessee State defense with eight tackles, one sack and one quarterback hurry. Jaylon Price recorded a sack and forced a fumble, and UT Martin quarterback Tate Surber completed 15 of 21 passes for 114 yards without an interception.
Tennessee State stays home to face Morgan State at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Nissan Stadium.
