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.
Week 8 of the Ohio Valley Conference season features three conference showdowns and one non-conference matchup, with Gardner Webb on a much-needed bye. As the race for the OVC title begins to take shape, every conference game carries added significance heading into the final month of the regular season.
Game of the Week? Take Your Pick: Southeast Missouri at Eastern Illinois or UT Martin at Western Illinois
The Redhawks enter as one of the OVC's top contenders and carry an eight-game winning streak in the series. Eastern Illinois, however, gets the benefit of playing at home and has an opportunity to make a statement in the conference race. UTM looks to be rounding into their typical mid-to-late season form with an emerging quarterback but facing another long road trip. If UTM can survive, Homecoming awaits them next week.
Enjoy another exciting Saturday of Ohio Valley Conference football!
Charleston Southern at Tennessee State
2:30pm CT, ESPN+ | Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee State welcomes Charleston Southern for a key conference matchup in Nashville. The Tigers will look to defend their home turf against a Buccaneers squad seeking a road victory that could boost its standing in the conference race. Charleston Southern HC Gabe Gardiana on facing TSU after the Tigers upset ranked Morgan State last week: “I expect this game to be close and I am pleased with our team after coming off a loss at Clemson and we must be excellent at the internal things if we are to win.” Tennessee State Head Coach Reggie Barlow on facing CSU: “They have elite players and are playing well and we must put the Morgan State win behind us.”
Game Outlook: Expect a physical contest between two programs looking to gain momentum in at the midpoint of the conference season. Tennessee State's home-field advantage at Nissan Stadium could prove to be a factor, while Charleston Southern will aim to play spoiler on the road.
Southeast Missouri at Eastern Illinois
2:00pm CT, ESPN+ | Charleston, Ill.
One of the weekend's most intriguing conference matchups takes place in Charleston, Illinois, where Southeast Missouri visits Eastern Illinois. The Redhawks have enjoyed recent success in the series, winning eight consecutive meetings, and enter with momentum after a 40-30 victory over Western Illinois. EIU will be looking to reverse that trend and earn a critical home conference win. EIU Head Coach Chris Wilkerson on face league leading SEMO (2-0): “Their quarterback has done a good job on operating the offense and they have great depth at tailback. If you load the box they can run right by you.” SEMO Head HC Tom Matukewicz on EIU: “What jumps off the film is they play hard and how physical they are, I think their defense is more physical than our defense.”
Game Outlook: Can SEMO continue to run the ball effectively? Khyair Spain and Tyrell Reid, Jr. ran for 111 yards each in last weeks win. And Brayland Ragland threw for 194 yards in the win. For EIU QB Cole LaCrue threw for 203 yards last week, but rushing leader Charles Kellom was held to only 19 yards on 10 carries. EIU must run the ball better against a stingy SEMO run defense. This rivalry has plenty of history and should be one of the most competitive games of the day.
UT Martin at Western Illinois
3:00pm CT, ESPN+ | Macomb, Ill.
Western Illinois hosts UT Martin in a matchup featuring two teams trying to improve their position in the conference standings. The Skyhawks travel west hoping to secure an important road victory, while the Leathernecks will look to capitalize on playing again at Hanson Field. It is worth noting that the OVC Offensive Player of the Week was EIU QB Kennedy McGill who accounted for 447 yards of total offense and 3 touchdowns against SEMO. UTM HC Jason Simpson on WIU: “They’ve improved every year (under Joe Davis) and I am impressed with their QB (McGill) who was durable enough to carry 27 times against SEMO last week. That’s a problem for us.” WIU Head Coach Joe Davis on UTM: “Great football team with a typical UTM defense, physical on the line and active in the secondary and they have a kicking game that is always a challenge.”
Game Outlook: It feels like UTM has been on the road all season, and another long trip awaits them. Look for a competitive battle especially given UTM pulled off a win last season when blocking a field goal.
Chicago State at Lindenwood
2:00pm CT, ESPN+ | St. Charles, Mo.
Although not a conference game, Lindenwood's Homecoming matchup against Chicago State is noteworthy for OVC fans. The Lions enter after snapping a four-game skid with a road win over Eastern Illinois and will look to build momentum before returning to conference action. Chicago State's is a first-year football program that played at OVC member UT Martin a few weeks back.
Game Outlook: Lindenwood will aim to keep its momentum going in front of the Homecoming crowd, while Chicago State seeks another milestone victory in its inaugural season.