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.
After an exciting opening weekend of conference play, the Ohio Valley Conference schedule shifts into high gear Saturday with three key matchups that could help define the championship picture. Road teams will be looking to make statements, with road wins always being at a premium in an eight team conference.
Saturday's schedule marks the second full week of conference competition and offers several opportunities for teams to gain an early edge in the standings. With only seven conference games on each team's schedule, all conference games carry increased significance as the race toward the conference championship and automatic FCS playoff berth continues.
A MEETING IN NORTH CAROLINA
Eastern Illinois at Gardner-Webb
3:30pm ET, ESPN+ | Boiling Springs, N.C.
One of the most intriguing games of the weekend sends Eastern Illinois to North Carolina to face a Gardner-Webb squad who appears to have a little momentum following a big win on the road at Charleston Southern. The Panthers will look to establish themselves as a factor in the OVC race, while the Runnin' Bulldogs hope to build momentum following last week's league victory. Gardner-Webb has developed a reputation for physical defense and ball control, making home-field advantage particularly important. Eastern Illinois will need consistent quarterback play and timely stops defensively if it hopes to steal a road win. GWU HC Pete Bennett said it felt good to finally be able to come out on the winning side of one of “those games” when reviewing last week’s rain-soaked win at CSU. Bennett particularly noted EIU RB Charles Kellom as one his defense must contain. Speaking of defense, Bennett’s star linebacker Tre Yanez has 67 tackles, 11 TFL’s, and 5 sacks after five games and racked up numerous OVC and National Honors last week.
Key Storyline: Which team can generate explosive plays? Gardner Webb scored only 12points in a win last week.
Prediction: Bulldogs win their second straight
MISSOURI RIVALS MEET IN THE GAME BALL BRAWL
Southeast Missouri Redhawks at Lindenwood Lions
1:00pm CT, ESPN+ | St. Charles, Mo.
An in-state showdown highlights the middle game of the OVC slate as SEMO travels to St. Charles to take on Lindenwood. HC Jed Stugart commented that his Lindenwood squad spent their off week emphasizing the fundamentals and working on themselves and is pleased that his team is “in a regular rhythm” heading into this game. Stugart added his quarterback situation is “murky” following an injury to Pops Battle. Meanwhile SEMO HC Tom Matukewicz noted Lindenwood is really good at running the ball, adding their front seven is one of the best in the conference. Tuke added this stretch, coming off a bye and heading into conference play, is “the hardest part of the year because you are in the ‘grind’ of the season”.
Key Storyline: Can the Lions protect their home field against one of the league's perennial contenders?
Prediction: SEMO at the final horn
THE SGT. YORK TROPHY GAME
UT Martin at Tennessee State
2:30pm CT, ESPN+ | Nashville, Tenn.
The marquee matchup of the weekend takes place in Nashville when UT Martin visits Tennessee State in a game that could have significant championship implications. UT Martin has consistently been among the OVC's elite programs, while Tennessee State is still trying to put it together in October. The Tigers will have the advantage of playing for the first time this season in Nissan Stadium. TSU HC Reggie Barlow noted that his Tigers are about five to eight plays away from being at least 3-2 on the season, adding that his team is not making plays late in games. When asked to evaluate his team he gave a grade of “B’ in effort. As for finishing and closing games out he gave his club a “C or C-.“ UTM Head Coach Jason Simpson said his team is “chasing a complete game in all three phases” when they take the field Saturday.
Key Storyline: Can Tennessee State defend its home field against one of the conference's most consistent winners?
Game Impact: The winner immediately vaults near the top of the league standings.
BATTLE IN THE PALMETTO STATE
No. 21 South Carolina State at Charleston Southern
12:00pm ET, ESPN+ | Charleston, S.C.
Two South Carolina programs will on Saturday (in a new game time due to weather) South Carolina State travels to Charleston Southern. The matchup features a Bulldogs squad looking to rebound from its first loss of the season against a Charleston Southern team who dropped a 12-10 contest to Gardner Webb. South Carolina State enters the contest with a strong 5-1 record, while Charleston Southern brings a 2-3 mark into the weekend