The UT Martin Skyhawks will take the field against the Missouri State Bears in Week 4 of the 2025 college football season. This game is set to take place at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, MO, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Coming into this game, UT Martin is looking for its first win after starting the season 0-2. Both of their games have been on the road, including a recent 42-17 loss to the UTEP Miners. Despite their struggles, the Skyhawks showed offensive potential with 295 passing yards in their last outing.
On the other side, Missouri State holds a 1-2 record and aims to rebound from a 28-10 defeat to SMU at home. The Bears have experienced both sides of narrow games, having won against Marshall by a single point earlier this season. With a home-field advantage, they will look to secure a second win in front of their fans.
Missouri State vs UT Martin At a Glance
- Game Location: Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, MO
- TV Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
- Missouri State Record: 1-2 overall, 0-0 in conference play
- UT Martin Record: 0-2 overall, 0-0 in conference play
- Game Odds: Missouri State is favored with a moneyline of -580
- Kickoff Time: Scheduled for 7:00 PM on September 20, 2025
Missouri State Bears Prepare for Showdown with UT Martin Skyhawks
Offensive Struggles
Missouri State’s offense has shown significant improvement this season, ranking 34th in passing yards with 822. This is a leap from their 145th rank last season. However, their rushing game continues to lag at 122nd with only 209 yards.
The Bears are averaging 44 points this season, a notable increase from last year’s 34 points per game. This improvement places them 75th overall in scoring. Despite these gains, they have yet to find a balance in their offensive attack.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, Missouri State has faced challenges, allowing 121 points and ranking 93rd in points against. They have demonstrated strength in forcing turnovers, with 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. Their ability to apply pressure has been crucial, ranking them among the top in these categories.
Last season, the Bears’ defense was more effective, ranked 15th in points against. The disparity indicates some regression in their defensive unit. Nonetheless, their knack for creating turnovers remains a positive aspect.
Recent Game Outcomes
In their recent contest, Missouri State fell to SMU 28-10, revealing inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. Their passing game was outmatched slightly, with 275 yards compared to SMU’s 281. The Bears struggled significantly in the rushing department, managing just 53 yards to SMU’s 167.
Conversely, Missouri State edged out Marshall 21-20 in a closely contested game, showcasing their ability to win in tight situations. Their passing attack shone with 388 yards, overshadowing Marshall’s 83 yards. However, they were outperformed on the ground, rushing for only 91 yards to Marshall’s 191.
Player Highlights
Quarterback Jacob Clark has been a standout, ranking 29th in passing yards with 781. His performance is a crucial factor in the Bears’ offensive output. Clark’s connection with wide receivers Jmariyae Robinson and Dash Luke, who lead the team in receptions and yards, has been vital.
On the ground, Shomari Lawrence leads with 143 rushing yards, though the team overall ranks low in this category. In the kicking game, Yousef Obeid has contributed with three field goals and five extra points, providing reliable special teams support.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Away Games: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 7 Games → 5-2 (71.4%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 7 Games → 5-2 (71.4%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 7 Games → 5-2 (71.4%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
UT Martin Skyhawks: A Preview of Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Performance Analysis
The UT Martin Skyhawks have shown a modest offensive output this season, averaging 24 points per game, which places them at 86th in the national rankings. Their passing game has struggled, ranking 116th with 404 passing yards, while their ground game sits at 128th with 192 rushing yards.
Despite these challenges, the team has been successful in moving the chains, with 32 first downs ranking them at 52nd. This ability to secure first downs indicates potential for improvement if they can capitalize on their drives.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, the Skyhawks have allowed 69 points over two games, ranking them 54th. A bright spot for the defense is their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, achieving 5 sacks, which ranks 10th nationally.
Their secondary, however, is a concern as they have yet to record an interception this season. They have been effective in recovering fumbles, with one recovery placing them 5th nationally.
Recent Game Performances
In their recent game against UTEP, the Skyhawks were defeated 42-17. They managed to achieve 19 first downs, surpassing UTEP’s 14, indicating some success in moving the ball.
However, their rushing defense struggled, allowing 194 yards. Conversely, their passing game showed improvement with 295 yards, a step up from their previous game against Oklahoma State.
Player Highlights
Quarterback Jase Bauer has accumulated 343 passing yards over two games, placing him 118th in the league. He has thrown one touchdown and one interception, reflecting a need for more consistency.
Running back John Gentry leads the team in rushing with 83 yards, while receiver Bryce Bailey tops receiving with 109 yards. Both players are essential to improving the offensive production in upcoming games.
Betting Trends
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: 3-0 in the last 3 games.
- ATS – All Games: 4-1 in the last 5 games.
- ATS – Away Games: 4-1 in the last 5 games.
- ATS – As Underdog: 3-1 in the last 4 games.
- ATS – After Loss: 3-1 in the last 4 games.
- O/U – As Underdog: 3-4 in the last 7 games.
Missouri State vs UT Martin Prediction: Over 52.5
Missouri State Bears have shown a tendency to play higher-scoring games, particularly after a loss, with a recent trend of 4-1 on the over in their last five games following a defeat. This suggests that they have the offensive capability to put up points when needed and may also allow points defensively. Coupled with their offensive ranking of 75th in points for, the potential for a higher-scoring game exists.
UT Martin Skyhawks, while struggling this season, have managed to average 24 points per game. Their defense has allowed 69 points over two games, indicating vulnerabilities that Missouri State could exploit. These factors point towards a game where both teams could contribute to a higher total score.
The current total set at 52.5 points could be surpassed if both teams perform as they have shown in their recent games. Missouri State’s ability to score, combined with UT Martin’s defensive struggles, creates the potential for an offensive game. Given these considerations, taking the over on 52.5 is a viable pick.
Projected final score: Missouri State 35 – UT Martin 24. This score supports the pick, as it totals to 59 points, comfortably above the current over/under line.
- Missouri State vs UT Martin Prediction: Over 52.5
- Missouri State vs UT Martin Score: Missouri State 35 – UT Martin 24
