Missouri State at Murray State – 10 Sept, 6PM CST (OVC Digital Network)
One of two OVC vs MVFC match ups this week. The Missouri State Bears are looking to snap a 15-game Division-1 losing streak and it’s up to KD Humphries to extend it. After putting up 163 yards on a Big Ten defense last week at Illinois expect Humphries to increase his production. The key here for Murray State is the run game, which went for -10 yards on 26 carries last week vs. Illinois. If the Racers can establish the run it will help Humphries in the passing game and the Racers should be able to send the Bears home with their 16th D1 “L” in a row.
Tennessee Tech at Austin Peay – 10 Sept, 6PM CST (OVC Digital Network)
The first OVC match up of the year will be in Clarksville between the Govs and the Golden Eagles. After seeing APSU at Troy and TTU against Wofford I think this game has potential to be the best match up involving the OVC this week. New Austin Peay head coach Will Healy has shown in the Troy game that he brings a passing scheme that can effectively move the ball, something APSU hasn’t been able to do in the past. If APSU can get a run game established they may be able to give the TTU defense fits. Will Healy isn’t the only new HC in the OVC this year, TTU’s Marcus Satterfield is also still looking for his first win after a disappointing start against Wofford. Satterfield was the offensive mind behind the offense in Temple that racked up nearly 400 yards a game in 2013 and also led to their 10-4 record and near upset of Notre Dame in 2015. However his offensive wizardry doesn’t appear to have made the 700 mile trip from Philly. Satterfield needs to get his offense up to speed if the Golden Eagles want to win. With the lack of defense on both teams this game has the potential to turn into a pass happy shootout.
SE Missouri State at Southern Illinois – 10 Sept, 6PM CST
One of the more intriguing matchups of the week in my opinion. Last year we saw SEMO narrowly defeat SIU in a game where the Salukis had seven turnovers. This year SEMO looks to repeat last year’s triumph and returning pretty much the entire team will help. The key here for the Redhawks will be to shut down SIU’s high powered offense. If SEMO can generate turnovers and keep SIU’s defense on the field the Redhawks have a good chance at extending their 38-36 series lead.
UT- Martin at Hawai’i – 10 Sept, 11PM CST
After being plagued by turnovers at Cincinnati the Skyhawks are still looking for their first win of the season. They will likely have to wait as they have to travel over 4,000 miles to meet Hawai’i. After Hawai’i was stomped by Michigan I’m interested to see this game as UTM might be able to catch them while they’re down. UTM on paper really stacked up well against Cincinnati, especially in time of possession, leading 37 minutes to 23 minutes. I’m curious to see whether the Skyhawks can continue that type of production going forward and this game will be a good measuring stick for the Skyhawks.
Jackson State vs. Tennessee State – 10 Sept, 6PM CST (Fox Sports South)
After a dominating performance in their season opener over Arkansas- Pine Bluff, the Tigers of TSU are hungry for their next win. Tennessee State will travel down to Memphis for the Southern Heritage Classic against Jackson State. TSU had lots of success with their gameplan on both sides of the ball last week and will look to continue the trend. On offense they will need to continue to run the ball well to set up Ackerman-Carter in the passing game. On defense the TSU defensive line needs to stay hungry. After a dominating performance last week, led by Ebenezer Ogundeko, keeping pressure on JSU’s offense will be key to shutting them down.
Eastern Illinois at Miami (OH) – 10 Sept, 2:30PM CST (ESPN 3)
After their season opener against Western Illinois the Panthers are still for their first win of the season. The key for the Panthers will be to generate turnovers and to keep Miami’s offense off the field. The Panthers defense will have their hands full against a Redhawk’s offense that racked up over 400 yards on #17 Iowa last weekend. On offense the Panthers will rely heavily on their passing game but if they want to have success at Miami the Panthers must kickstart their ground game and be able to lead a more balanced attack.
Pikeville at Eastern Kentucky – 8 Sept, 6PM CST (OVC Digital Network)
Eastern Kentucky is coming off a tough loss at Purdue and will be looking to make a statement in their home opener vs NAIA Pikeville. Look for the Colonels to be able to impose their will on the Bears of Pikeville on both defense and offense. EKU’s offense will have to make due without veteran Bennie Coney. Look for Mizzou transfer Maty Mauk try to redeem himself after a disappointing performance at Purdue.
#5 Jacksonville State at #5 LSU – 10 Sept, 6:30 PM CST (ESPNU)
This game will be the measuring stick to where JSU is this season. Look for the Gamecocks to come out swinging trying to get the SEC win they should have had last year over Auburn. The biggest challenge for the Gamecocks will be slowing down Heisman contender Leonard Fournette. If the Cocks can slow down Fournette and force Brandon Harris to throw it up the Gamecocks defense will have a much better chance to get a stop. Look for an interesting matchup between Eli Jenkins in Grass’ high powered spread offense and LSU’s lockdown defense.
