Chris Parson's 3 TDs lead Austin Peay past UT Martin 35-12

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- — Chris Parson threw for 254 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 82 yards and two scores as Austin Peay scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to beat UT Martin 35-12 on Saturday.

The Governors (4-1), ranked No. 13 in the Stats Perform poll, trailed 12-7 at halftime before scoring 21 points in the third quarter.

Parson gave Austin Peay the lead with an 18-yard touchdown run with 10:58 left in the third. Eight seconds later, Ta’Ron Haile returned a Tate Surber interception 18 yards for a touchdown to give the Governors a 21-12 lead.

Parson then connected with Marvin Sims for an 8-yard touchdown to make it 28-12. Sims added an 8-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring.

Parson completed 17 of 21 passes without an interception. Sims caught four passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.

UT Martin (1-4) took a 2-0 lead on Malik Brown’s first-quarter safety before Surber threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kaleb Costner. Brandon Sims added a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Surber finished with 175 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Up next

Austin Peay: Hosts New Haven next Saturday.

UT Martin: Has a bye week before traveling to Tennessee State on Oct. 10.

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