What Is 2011 UT Martin Skyhawks football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I FCS football season. They finished with a 6–5 overall record under head coach Jason Simpson.

Key Facts

The 2011 UT Martin Skyhawks had a 6–5 overall record.
They competed in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) during the 2011 season.
Head coach Jason Simpson led the team for his sixth season.
The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee.
Quarterback Corey Gipson started most games and threw for 1,558 yards.

Overview

The 2011 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the team was led by head coach Jason Simpson in his sixth season at the helm. The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, located in Martin, Tennessee, a venue with a capacity of approximately 7,500 spectators.

During the 2011 season, the Skyhawks posted a 6–5 overall record, marking a slight improvement from their previous campaign. While they did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, the team showed progress on offense and defense under Simpson’s leadership. The season included notable matchups against conference rivals and non-conference opponents, providing key development opportunities for younger players.

Record: The team finished with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 mark in OVC play, demonstrating competitive balance across the season.
Head Coach: Jason Simpson was in his sixth year as head coach, having steadily rebuilt the program since taking over in 2006.
Home Stadium: Graham Stadium, located on campus, served as the home field with an artificial turf surface installed in 2007.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Corey Gipson started most games, completing 136 of 248 passes for 1,558 yards and nine touchdowns.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker Jaylan Thomas recorded 87 tackles, leading the team and ranking among OVC leaders.

How It Works

The 2011 season structure followed standard NCAA Division I FCS guidelines, including a 12-game regular season and eligibility for postseason play based on conference standings and national rankings. The Skyhawks competed within the OVC, which determined playoff eligibility through conference performance.

Season Duration: The season ran from September 3 to November 19, 2011, with games scheduled on most Saturdays.
Conference Play: The OVC consisted of nine teams in 2011, with each team playing an unbalanced schedule of eight conference games.
Recruiting: UT Martin relied on regional recruiting, primarily from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, to build its roster.
Player Development: The coaching staff emphasized skill development, particularly for underclassmen, to prepare for future seasons.
Game Strategy: The offense operated primarily out of a spread formation, focusing on balanced run-pass execution.
Scouting Opponents: Weekly preparation included film study, opponent analysis, and situational drills to improve in-game decision-making.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 2011 UT Martin Skyhawks compared to select OVC teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points For	Points Against
Eastern Illinois	6–5	4–4	278	287
UT Martin	6–5	4–4	267	291
Tennessee State	5–6	3–5	219	264
Morehead State	3–8	2–6	198	301
Austin Peay	3–8	2–6	217	339

The data shows that UT Martin’s performance was on par with Eastern Illinois in both record and scoring. However, the Skyhawks allowed slightly more points than they scored, indicating room for defensive improvement. Their offensive output ranked mid-tier in the conference, reflecting a developing program aiming for consistency.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a building year for UT Martin football, laying groundwork for future competitiveness in the OVC. While not a playoff season, it contributed to long-term program development under Coach Simpson’s leadership.

Program Growth: The 6–5 record marked the first winning season since 2006, signaling positive momentum.
Player Experience: Young quarterbacks and skill players gained valuable game time, essential for future seasons.
Recruiting Boost: Improved performance helped attract stronger regional recruits in subsequent classes.
Conference Standing: A .500 OVC record kept UT Martin competitive within the league hierarchy.
Facility Investment: Continued use of upgraded Graham Stadium enhanced game-day experience and recruiting appeal.
Fan Engagement: Competitive games helped increase local attendance and media coverage in Martin.

Overall, the 2011 UT Martin Skyhawks season was a step forward in establishing a consistent FCS program. While not championship-caliber, it demonstrated resilience and development critical for long-term success in Division I football.