Bob Belvin has broadcast games across the OVC for over a decade, and served as host of league Media Day events. Each week this season he will share his thoughts and opinions on matchups and happenings around the OVC and FCS.
The first weekend of September presents a variety of challenges for Ohio Valley Conference football programs. Several league members venture into hostile FBS environments for guarantee games , while others look to build momentum before conference play begins in October. Here's a look at all games involving current OVC football members on Saturday.
The headline game providing the OVC national exposure is Tennessee State at Georgia, while Western Illinois vs. Illinois State and Lindenwood at Stony Brook will be the most competitive matchups involving an OVC members. Meanwhile, UT Martin has the league's best opportunity to secure a victory and gain momentum heading into a challenging September schedule that features two back-to-back road games against FBS Opponents.
TOP STORYLINES
• Western Illinois hosts Illinois State in a "measuring stick game"
• Gardner-Webb renews a North Carolina/South Carolina series against Wofford
• Tennessee State and Eastern Illinois capture national exposure playing SEC & Big Ten teams
• Southeast Missouri takes its 1-0 record to Big 12 foe Iowa State for a Saturday Showdown
• UT Martin hosts first-year program Chicago State
AIMING FOR A WIN IN AMES
Southeast Missouri at Iowa State
Saturday | 12PM CT, ESPN+ | Ames, Iowa
After opening the season with a narrow and hard-fought victory at Indiana State, Southeast Missouri faces a massive step up in competition when it invades Jack Trice Stadium to take on Iowa State. Redhawks QB Braylen Ragland was solid in his first career start throwing for 274 yards and a TD while RB Khyair Spain rushed for 66 yards and had 88 yards receiving. Justin Keller added three field goals in the win over Indiana State. Now the Redhawks get an opportunity to test themselves against one of the nation's top defenses. For SEMO, success will be measured less by the scoreboard and more by its ability to establish the run, limit turnovers, and emerge healthy heading toward conference play. Although there will be no HC Matt Campbell and QB1 Rocco Becht in Ames (Penn State) Iowa State's depth and physicality make the Cyclones overwhelming favorites, but these types of games often provide valuable experience that pays dividends later in the season.
What to Watch: Can the Redhawks generate explosive plays early and hold their own on both lines?
Prediction: Iowa State
BATTLE FOR THE CAROLINAS
Gardner-Webb at Wofford
Saturday | 12:30PM ET, ESPN+ | Spartanburg, S.C.
Gardner-Webb enters a matchup at Wofford (SoCon) looking to rebound after a season-opening loss at Austin Peay and the loss of their head coach.. The Runnin' Bulldogs have little margin for error against a Wofford team that smoked The Citadel last Saturday in a battle of South Carolina schools. Both teams will likely lean on their rushing attacks and defensive fronts, creating one of the more evenly matched contests involving an OVC member this weekend. Gardner-Webb was woeful on third down last week (3-13) and must find a way to convert on third down. Additionally GWU only recorded 32 yards rushing.
What to Watch: Can GWU rush for at 100 yards to help Cole Pennington who did his part last week throwing for 312 yards.
Prediction: Wofford
THE TIGERS TAKE TO THE ROAD
Tennessee State at No. 3 Georgia
Saturday | 2:00PM CT, SECN+ | Athens, Ga.
Perhaps the most high-profile matchup involving an OVC program this weekend sends Tennessee State into Sanford Stadium to face SEC powerhouse Georgia. The Tigers opened the season with a disappointing loss to Jackson State and now face one of the deepest rosters in college football. For Reggie Barlow’s Tigers it was a botched field goal attempt that proved to be the difference. TSU controlled the first half, and engineered a solid drive setting up the late field goal attempt. QB Daylin Lee, a transfer from Winston- Salem State, threw for 265 yards and said regarding the Georgia game “We’re not gonna change a thing.” The Tigers' athleticism should allow them to compete in stretches, but Georgia's depth over four quarters will be difficult to overcome.
What to Watch: How Tennessee State's defense responds to an offense loaded with SEC talent.
Prediction: Kirby’s Crew
A BATTLE FOR ILLINOIS
Illinois State at Western Illinois
Saturday | 6:00PM CT, ESPN+ | Macomb, Ill.
Western Illinois enters the weekend carrying considerable momentum after a dominant season-opening victory over Northwestern College. The Leathernecks will receive a much sterner test from Missouri Valley Football Conference member Illinois State Saturday in Macomb. This game serves as an excellent measuring stick for a Western Illinois program seeking to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the OVC race. New twist for 2026 ... This will serve as Senior Day for WIU. The Leathernecks showcased offensive firepower in Week 0 (76-0 vs. St. Francis), but Illinois State brings significantly more size, speed, and defensive discipline. Not to mention Illinois State returns 17 starters from their National Runner-Up team of last season.
What to Watch: Can Western Illinois sustain its offensive success against a playoff-caliber FCS opponent?
Prediction: Illinois State
THE ROAD TRIP CONTINUES
Charleston Southern at Georgia Southern
Saturday | 5:00PM CT, ESPN+ | Statesboro, Ga.
Charleston Southern nearly stole an OVC road win at Lindenwood in its opener but came up short. The Buccaneers now face an FBS opponent in Georgia Southern, a program known for its speed and offensive tempo. The Buccaneers showed enough defensive toughness in Week 0 to believe they can be competitive, but they'll need to be much cleaner offensively. Long drives and ball control may be Charleston Southern's best path toward keeping this contest close.
What to Watch: Whether Charleston Southern can slow Georgia Southern's pace and stay within striking distance entering the second half.
Prediction: Georgia Southern
FIRST TIMER MEETS OLD TIMER
Chicago State at UT Martin
Saturday | 6:00PM CT, ESPN+ | Martin, Tenn.
UT Martin is looking to bounce back after a season-opening loss to Central Arkansas. The Skyhawks welcome a first-year Chicago State football program in what represents a critical opportunity to gain confidence before a difficult upcoming stretch against West Virginia and Memphis. Head coach Jason Simpson's team showed flashes offensively against Central Arkansas but struggled with consistency. Saturday presents a chance to clean up mistakes, establish the running game, and build momentum heading into back-to-back FBS matchups. Expect the Skyhawks to attack aggressively from the opening possession and use their experience advantage to control the game.
What to Watch: Can UT Martin establish an identity offensively and finish drives more effectively?
Prediction: UT Martin
AN EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
Lindenwood at Stony Brook
Thursday | 6:00PM CT, ESPN+ | Stony Brook, N.Y.
Lindenwood heads east for its first road trip of the season looking to build on the momentum generated by a season-opening 20-17 victory over Charleston Southern. The Lions showed resilience in that opening-week win, making enough plays on both sides of the ball to secure a key non-conference victory and begin the season on a positive note. Now, head coach Jed Stugart's squad faces another important early-season test against a Stony Brook program eager to defend its home field and start its own campaign with a statement performance. For the Lions, the focus will be on maintaining the defensive discipline and timely execution that proved decisive in their opener against Charles Southern. Stony Brook's home-field advantage should create a challenging environment, making early momentum and field position critical factors. The Seawolves lost 41-34 to Delaware State last time out after erasing a large first half deficit. If Lindenwood can establish balance offensively and avoid costly mistakes, the Lions have a chance to leave New York with a significant road victory and a 2-0 start. Expect a game similar to last years game in St. Charles, where Lindenwood emerged with a 30-27 win.
What to Watch: Can Lindenwood replicate its run/pass balance on the road
Prediction: Lindenwood
THE PRAIRIE MEETS THE TWIN CITIES
Eastern Illinois at Minnesota
Thursday | 6:00PM CT, Peacock | Minneapolis, Minn.
Eastern Illinois faces one of its toughest challenges of the 2026 season as the Panthers travel to Minneapolis to take on Big Ten opponent Minnesota. The Panthers enter the matchup with confidence after opening the season with a 28-14 victory over Murray State, a performance highlighted by explosive offensive plays and a defense that delivered timely stops when it mattered most. Now, head coach Chris Wilkerson's squad will have an opportunity to test itself against a Power Four program in one of the most challenging environments it will encounter all season. Minnesota enters the contest as a heavy favorite and will look to dictate the game with its size, depth, and physical style of play. For Eastern Illinois to remain competitive, the Panthers must run the football as well as they did last Thursday, protect the football, and capitalize on every scoring opportunity that presents itself. Early momentum could prove critical as Eastern Illinois attempts to match the Gophers' physicality and keep the game within reach into the second half.
What to Watch: Can Eastern Illinois and especially Charles Kellom run the ball effectively and shorten the game
Prediction: Row The Boat guys
FINAL WORD
This first full week of action (Thursday night and Saturday games) always sparks curiosity and safety concerns for conference schools as they play in many guarantee games to financially support their programs. Watch how Conference coaches handle in-game personnel decisions with still a few weeks to play before a full conference slate- do they play their 1’s throughout or play all that made the travel roster should the games get out of hand.