FCS-CFB Game Preview: Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (1-3) vs. UT Martin Skyhawks (0-4)

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Venue & Game Details

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Hardy M. Graham Stadium, Martin, Tennessee

Capacity: ~7,500

Broadcast: ESPN+

Weather Forecast (Martin, TN)

Kickoff Temperature: ~78°F (26°C)

Conditions: Partly cloudy, humid evening

Wind: 5–8 mph from the south

Precipitation: ~20% chance of scattered showers

Impact: Warm and sticky conditions; stamina and depth could be factors late.

Injury Report

Southeast Missouri State (SEMO):

QB J. Leatherwood – healthy, 272 yards, 2 TDs last outing.

RB B. Epton Jr. – healthy, 61 yards, 1 TD vs. Arkansas State.

WR D. Cheers – healthy, 96 yards, 1 TD vs. Arkansas State.

No major injuries reported.

UT Martin:

QB J. Bauer – healthy, 70 yards, 1 INT last game.

RB J. Gentry – healthy, 51 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, 1 TD.

WR corps thin after early-season knocks, but starters expected to play.

Key Player Matchups

J. Leatherwood (SEMO QB) vs. UTM Secondary

Leatherwood has shown accuracy but needs protection.

UTM’s defense has struggled, allowing 27+ points in every game.

J. Gentry (UTM RB/WR) vs. SEMO Linebackers

Gentry is a versatile weapon, both rushing and receiving.

SEMO’s defense allows 32.5 ppg, vulnerable to multipurpose backs.

D. Cheers (SEMO WR) vs. UTM Corners

Cheers is SEMO’s deep threat.

UTM’s secondary has been inconsistent, giving up big plays.

Recent Team Form

SEMO Redhawks (1–3)

L 24–42 @ Arkansas State (Week 1)

L 21–28 @ Tennessee State (2024 finale)

W 54–45 vs. Western Illinois (2024)

Strengths: Passing attack improving.

Weaknesses: Defense giving up explosive plays.

UT Martin Skyhawks (0–4)

L 7–27 @ Oklahoma State (Week 1)

L 17–49 @ Montana State (2024 playoffs)

W 41–10 @ New Hampshire (2024)

Strengths: Historically strong in OVC-Big South play.

Weaknesses: Offense struggling to find rhythm in 2025.

Conference vs. Conference

Both are members of the OVC–Big South Football Association.

This is the conference opener for both teams.

Both programs shared the 2024 OVC-Big South title.

Series History

All-time series: Tied 20–20.

Last meeting: SEMO won 45–42 (2OT) in 2024.

Last meeting in Martin: UTM won 41–14 in 2023.

Trend: Home team has won the last four meetings.

Betting Trends

SEMO Redhawks:

2–2 ATS in last 4 games.

5–2 ATS in last 7 OVC-Big South games.

3 of last 5 games have gone Over.

UT Martin Skyhawks:

0–4 ATS in 2025.

6–1 ATS in last 7 home conference games.

4 of last 6 games have gone Over.

Historical Betting Results

2024: SEMO +3 covered in 45–42 win (Over cashed).

2023: UTM -7 covered in 41–14 win (Over cashed).

2021 (Spring): SEMO +2.5 covered in 21–16 win (Under cashed).

Game Odds

Southeast Missouri State Redhawks       – 3.5

UT Martin Skyhawks                                      51

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025