Week 10 Ohio Valley Conference Game Breakdowns
Don’t blink Saturday; the action may be over before you check into the games. All nine OVC teams are in action with four head to head games that can determine the title race. Last week had some historical implications when Eastern Illinois receiver Eric Lora broke the OVC record with receptions, and Murray State QB Casey Brockman broke the all-time OVC passing record. This week the stats are put aside and the numbers on the scoreboard at the end of the game are what count the most. Tennessee State had a huge and extremely important comeback last week against Tennessee Tech, and a win over the Racers could secure their title. Tennessee-Martin is looking to stay in the title race and will need to knock off Jacksonville State, who has proven pesky the past few weeks, to do so. The Eastern schools, Kentucky and Illinois face lesser opponents this week and should come away victorious and still in the hunt, but a slip up could change everything. Finally, give it up for Austin Peay, the Governors have had a tough season so far but Saturday they’ll put it all on the line to earn that first ‘W’.
#16 Tennessee State (8-1) vs Murray State (3-5), Saturday, 10:00
Tennessee State’s kicker Jamin Godfrey hit a school record five field goals last week earning national honors after his kicks, along with a last second touchdown, gave the Tigers an important comeback win. Murray State has an explosive offense and, in the games they’ve lost, they’ve been in it. Tennessee State isn’t looking as impressive as they did the first part of the season and it just has the feeling that the OVC title race may take a turn after this early kickoff.
Projection score: Murray State 42, Tennessee State 27
Jacksonville State (5-3) vs Tennessee-Martin (6-2), Saturday 11:00
The Skyhawks continue to impress with QB Derek Carr. The Skyhawks host JSU in hopes of staying even with the title race lead. The Gamecocks however, are starting to put things together, and a win over UTM really upsets things with JSU having already beaten Tennessee State as well. The Gamecocks have a real shot to stay in the game as they so far have shut down top QBs in Jimmy Garappolo and Casey Brockman.
Projection score: Jacksonville State 27, Tennessee-Martin 23
Culver-Stockton vs Austin Peay (0-8), Saturday, 12:00
Austin Peay is coming off a tough loss to Southeast Missouri State, but it is okay, the Govs may have been caught looking ahead to Culver-Stockton. If you’re in the area Saturday come out to the game because it is bound to be Peay’s most collective effort all the way through the finish to fight for the win.
Projection score: Austin Peay 28, Culver-Stockton 9
Eastern Kentucky (6-3) vs Southeast Missouri State (3-5), Saturday, 12:00
The Colonels took a step back last week falling to Eastern Illinois, but they can capitalize Saturday with a win over SEMO. The Redhawks still have fight in them this season and they won’t be rolling over for anyone who’s in the title race. If they can keep the game close in the third quarter, SEMO may have an advantage playing at home for the upset. The Colonels will have all the pressure and the Redhawks can shake up the standings.
Projection score: Eastern Kentucky 34, Southeast Missouri State 20
Eastern Illinois (5-3) vs Tennessee Tech (2-6), Saturday, 12:30
The Panthers won’t quit and if they can just avoid the upset at Tech like Tennessee State did last week, EIU could be in a good position with wins over Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State. QB Jimmy Garappolo has been on point all season and really shouldn’t have too much trouble with Tech’s defense. But at the end of the season, every team is playing for something and for Tennessee Tech, it’s to snap a long losing streak.
Projection score: Eastern Illinois 47, Tennessee Tech 24
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