The loss to UT Martin in last year’s FCS Playoffs motivated Missouri State on Thursday night as the Bears got their revenge against the Skyhawks in a 35-30 win. Missouri State trailed by 3 points entering the 4th quarter, but Jason Shelley found Tyrone Scott for two touchdowns in the final quarter to lead Missouri State to the win.
Jason Shelley ➡️ Tyrone Scott is one of the scariest connections in FCS football 🔥pic.twitter.com/GP79auy8Bs
— FCS Football Central (@The__Bluebloods) September 9, 2022
Shelley had another impressive performance as he completed 79% of his passes and totaled 297 yards passing with 5 passing touchdowns. WR Tyrone Scott reminded the FCS world that he is a force to be reckoned with at the wide receiver position. Scott totaled 8 catches for 96 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns against a talented UT Martin secondary. The Bears were led on the ground by RB Jacardia Wright as he totaled 120 yards rushing and averaged over 5 yards per carry.
That Jason Shelley to Tyrone Scott connection 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/rnkeBn8w8N
— FCS Football Central (@The__Bluebloods) September 9, 2022
The Missouri State defense did an excellent job slowing down the rushing attack of UT Martin as they held the Skyhawks to 85 yards rushing and less than 4 yards per carry. Zak Wallace was the leading rusher for UT Martin with 76 yards rushing and 1 rushing touchdown. All-Conference defensive end Kevin Ellis had a solid night for the Bears with 7 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
UT Martin had multiple chances to win this game, but 3rd down struggles were a major storyline on Thursday night. The Skyhawks only converted three of their ten 3rd down opportunities, which stalled multiple promising drives throughout the game. Dresser Winn had excellent performance with over 344 yards passing and 3 touchdown passes for the Skyhawks. Robert Hicks and John Ford II combined for 25 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks for the UT Martin defense.
#5 Missouri State moves to 2-0 on the season and will travel to face #17 Arkansas next weekend. #14 UT Martin falls to 1-1 on the season and will look to rebound against Boise State in Week 3.
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