Aug 303 min read

K-State Welcomes UT Martin to Kickoff the 2024 Season

Nov 18, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats safety Marques Sigle (21) celebrates with linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) and cornerback Keenan Garber (1) — © Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks travel to Manhattan, Kan., to face the Kansas State Wildcats on at 7 p.m. EST on Aug. 31. Kansas State is coming off a nine-win season in 2023 and a 28-19 victory over North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. UT Martin won eight games in 2023 which earned them a co-conference championship in the Ohio Valley Conference. In the Skyhawks' only matchup with an FBS team last season they lost at Georgia 48-7.

What's at Stake?

UT Martin is going for its first-ever win over an FBS opponent. The Skyhawks are returning their QB Kinkead Dent. He had a productive 2023 season throwing for 2,295 yards with 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. They are looking to continue their hot streak this season within the Ohio Valley Conference winning at least a share of three-straight conference titles. While a loss to K-State would not derail the whole season a win here would boost the Skyhawks up the rankings in the FCS and put every other team on notice.

Kansas State will be looking to start fast in this game. Avery Johnson is now the full-time starter for K-State after playing in a supporting role behind Will Howard who transferred to Ohio State during the offseason. The offense will be what every Wildcat fan is watching in this game with anticipation to see if they will continue to build on what they did during the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The offensive line has experience, even with losing Cooper Beebe to the NFL, to help open up running lanes for DJ Giddens, and Dylan Edwards while protecting Johnson. The Kansas State defense will be looking to fill some holes with returning key players like Austin Moore, Desmond Purnell, Jacob Parrish and Marques Sigle will return. This game is a must-win for K-State to continue the quest to be toward the top of the Big 12 Conference.

Sep 2, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Martin Skyhawks quarterback Kinkead Dent (8) — © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Key Players: K-State

Avery Johnson, Quarterback

Johnson might have the most highly anticipated home debut in program history. He has a lively arm that was not showcased as much during his freshman season because of his great athleticism including a 5-touchdown game on the ground against Texas Tech. Matt Wells, the new offensive coordinator, has built a great relationship with Johnson in the offseason. Kansas State fans are clamoring to see what this sophomore QB can do.

Jordan Riley, Safety

The transfer safety from Ball State is filling a hole left in the Kansas State secondary by Kobe Savage's transferring to Oregon. Last season at Ball State. Riley had 61 tackles, three tackles for loss and 8 passes defended. While the rest of the secondary has been in Joe Klanderman's system for some time, Riley is coming in fresh and will need to be ready to make plays when needed in the run game and available come Big 12 play to make plays down the field.

Key Players: UT Martin

Kinkead Dent, Quarterback

Dent is coming off the 2023 season where he completed 192-of-353 pass attempts for 2,295 yards and 25 touchdowns. He will need to build on what he accomplished in 2024 to give the Skyhawks and opportunity to win this game. After losing their All-American running back Sam Franklin to the Oklahoma Sooners in the Transfer Portal, the Skyhawks will have to find their footing in this game which will put more on Dent's shoulders.

Oshae Baker, Safety

In 2023 Baker had 49 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 10 pass breakups. The Skyhawks defense is unknown on the defensive line and could have some issues stopping the two-headed rushing attack of Kansas State's Giddens and Edwards . The secondary will have to cover longer with the scrambling ability of Johnson on top of having an inexperienced defensive line. Baker is a special player who needs to be in command for UT Martin to stay in this game.

Trends to Watch

Both teams should be toward the top of each of their conferences. K-State will be looking to put this game away early and get some playing time for guys down the depth chart before the opponents get tougher. UT Martin will be looking for a fast start to stay in this game. FCS teams on the road playing FBS opponents need to weather the early storm and hang around to have a chance. UT Martin is a team that can jump up and bite Kansas State if they do not play their best game.