UT Martin isn’t quite easing into its 2023 schedule.
On Saturday, the Skyhawks will open their new season at back-to-back FBS national champion Georgia in Athens. It will mark the 17th all-time matchup between an FCS program and the No. 1-ranked FBS team in the Associated Press poll.
FCS teams are winless in the matchups, although the closest result involved Georgia: the Bulldogs topped Georgia Southern 45-21 in 2008.
UT Martin went 7-4 under coach Jason Simpson last season, including 5-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference while earning a share of a second straight title.
The Skyhawks have one win over an FBS opponent, 20-17 at Memphis in their 2012 season opener. They now play in the first-year Big South-OVC Football Association.
FCS vs. FBS No. 1 All-Time Results
Nov. 20, 2021: (1) Georgia 56, Charleston Southern 7
Sept. 11, 2021: (1) Alabama 48, Mercer 14
Sept. 19, 2020: (1) Clemson 49, The Citadel 0
Nov. 17, 2018: (1) Alabama 50, The Citadel 17
Nov. 18, 2017: (1) Alabama 56, Mercer 0
Nov. 19, 2016: (1) Alabama 31, Chattanooga 3
Nov. 8, 2014: (1) Mississippi State 45, UT Martin 16
Sept. 6, 2014: (1) Florida State 37, The Citadel 12
Nov. 23, 2013: (1) Alabama 49, Chattanooga 0
Sept. 5, 2009: (1) Florida 62, Charleston Southern 3
Aug. 30, 2008: (1) Georgia 45, Georgia Southern 21
Aug. 31, 2002: (1) Miami (Fla.) 63, Florida A&M 17
Sept. 23, 1995: (1) Florida State 46, Central Florida 14
Sept. 19, 1992: (1) Miami (Fla.) 38, Florida A&M 0
Oct. 19, 1991: (1) Florida State 39, Middle Tennessee State 10
Sept. 5, 1987: (1) Oklahoma 69, North Texas 14
Stats Perform research analyst Chase Weight contributed to this story.