A week’s worth of homecoming events and anticipation led to a well deserved victory for the Governors. At 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, students witnessed the kickoff to a quintessential win for Austin Peay.
With a slow start to the game, each team remained scoreless throughout the first quarter. So far this season, APSU’s identity seems to be starting the game off with a turnover, and that’s exactly how the first drive started with a fumble recovered by UT Martin. However, with the smothering defense played in the first quarter and all game by the Governors defense, this wouldn’t lead to any points being scored.
As the second quarter started, so did APSU’s offense; scoring an unanswered 17 points to break open the game and assert dominance over the Skyhawks defense. In almost eight minutes, the rushing attack matched with the aerial assault would destroy UT Martin’s moral. The Skyhawks would score a a field goal with 11 seconds left in the first half to make the score 17-3, Govs up.
As the third quarter starts both teams struggle to score until APSU extends the lead with another rushing touchdown, their 3rd of the day up to this point. Towards the end of the quarter the Skyhawks finally get their first touchdown on the board with a 6 yard pass from quarterback, John Bachus.
The 4th quarter is mostly back and forth with the Govs scoring and then UT Martin returning the favor, but never making progress on the point differential. Each team scoring scoring 2 touchdowns a piece, in what seems to be a game that is all but over.
Finally, the clock reads 0:00 and Austin Peay is on top with a score of 24-38; all points from the Govs coming on the ground. Not a single passing touchdown was thrown by either team until 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and to make it an even more lopsided victory, the Govs help the Skyhawks to just -25 yards rushing the whole game. There’s no doubt that if they play like this for the rest of the season and into the OVCs, they’ll come out on top.
Senior, Jax Keith; who also attempted (but failed) the Punt, Pass, Kick event during a short break in the game was asked to share his thoughts on how far the Govs football program has come.
“They’ve definitely, come a long way. I was here to see them break the longest college football losing streak, so seeing them as the #24 team in the nation is mind-boggling.” It’s clear to see that this football program has the support of the student body, and they deserve it considering all the work Mark Hudspeth and Co. have put into this season.
Even more support will be needed for the Govs next game away at rival Mu**ay State on November 16th, at Noon CST.
