Week 3 OVC Game Breakdowns
There weren’t a lot of questions heading into week 2 for the OVC; some schools played overmatching FBS schools while others faced schools that were sure to lose. UT- Martin was unable to make it 2 for 2 against FBS schools to open the season and Austin Peay was unable to find the magic in Lane Stadium that James Madison discovered two seasons ago. Murray State and Jacksonville State really played in the only two interesting matchups with the Racers learning that facing a team with a laughable field was no laughing matter, and the Gamecocks sent their rival Chattanooga home with a loss as JSU nailed a 37 yard winning field goal as time expired. Week 3 includes one all OVC matchup, but for everyone else it’s the final chance to get the feel of their team before the conference season begins.
Southeastern Louisiana at Tennessee-Martin, Thursday, 7:00
Coming off their first ever win over an FBS school in week 1 where the Skyhawks beat Memphis 20-17, UT-Martin couldn’t repeat in week 2 falling to Northern Illinois. The UNI Huskies have won 16 consecutive home games, the second longest active streak behind LSU with 18. UT-Martin looks ahead to hosting SE Louisiana in a game that should put the Skyhawks back into the win column before they open OVC play next week.
Projection score: SE Louisiana 6, Tennessee-Martin 38
Eastern Illinois at #15 Illinois State, Saturday, 2:00
The Panthers fell to 1-1 on the season losing to Western Michigan last week. The Broncos picked up over 600 total yards and 31 first downs against EIU, but the Panthers did force four turnovers. Eastern Illinois will have a tough matchup against Illinois State who is 2-0 coming of a win over FBS Eastern Michigan.
Projection score: Eastern Illinois 20, Illinois State 31
Austin Peay at Tennessee State, Saturday, 2:00
Austin Peay has had a tough schedule to open the season and is coming off a 42-7 loss at Virginia Tech; however, they finally get their hands on a reasonable opponent and they may be ready to let some steam off. Tennessee State has jumped out to a 2-0 start but not against the highest of quality opponents. Austin Peay will be a warm up to tougher OVC action to come.
Projection score: Austin Peay 31, Tennessee State 13
Tennessee Tech at #5 Oregon, Saturday, 3:00
What seems to be a sure blowout could be closer than some expect. While Oregon has whipped up on it’s opening two opponents, they have allowed them to put points on the board. If Tennessee Tech can keep it close in the first quarter and build confidence, they could keep it respectable and even with a loss come away a stronger team.
Projection score: Tennessee Tech 16, Oregon 48
# 17 Eastern Kentucky at Coastal Carolina, Saturday, 6:00
Eastern Kentucky should win this game, but after a less than impressive win over Morehead State last week and Coastal (2-0) coming off a thrilling 3 OT win over Furman, the Chanticleers will have momentum and a home crowd behind them. Eastern Kentucky needs to take control early. If they let Coastal hang around for the first half it very well could be an upset for the Colonels.
Projection score: Eastern Kentucky 27, Coastal Carolina, 33
Southeast Missouri State at Southern Illinois, Saturday, 7:00
The Redhawks held strong with FBS Central Michigan in week 1 until late but didn’t play with the same intensity in week 2. This game is really a toss-up between two average teams who, with a few big wins, could have great seasons. But a slip up or two could lead to terrible seasons. The Salukis may hang around early but SEMO is just a slightly better team and should hold off for a win.
Projection score: SE Missouri St. 27, Southern Illinois 21
Murray State at Missouri State, Saturday, 8:00
Murray State was one of what should become many victims of Central Arkansas last week. The Bears have a really good team that should make a deep playoff run. Murray State may think they’re excited to play a reasonable opponent, but none more than Missouri State who’s coming off back to back losses to Kansas State and Louisville. The good thing is one of these teams will leave with their first win of the season and, by how they’ve played in the first two weeks, it looks like that team will be the Racers of Murray State.
Projection score: Murray State 31, Missouri State 17
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
