Looking back: Southeast Missouri State made history in 2010, as the Redhawks not only clinched their first-ever Ohio Valley Conference title, but also clinched their first-ever trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff berth. Southeast's run in the postseason play, was brief, as the Redhawks fell to eventual national champion Eastern Washington, 37-17, in the second round of the playoffs.
The other OVC playoff representative, Jacksonville State, also was "one and done" in the postseason, as the Gamecocks lost a heartbreaker to Wofford, 17-14, also in round two of the FCS playoffs.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the November 12 games between JSU and Southeast, at Cape Girardeau, Mo. decides the OVC title in 2011.
Website: http://www.ovcsports.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Jacksonville State (9-3): Thanks to that early season upset win over Mississippi from the BCS Southeastern Conference, head coach Jack Crowe was rewarded with a contract extension through the 2014 season. With 51 letterwinners, including 16 starters, returning for 2011, expect the Gamecocks to contend for the OVC title once again.
2. Southeast Missouri State (9-3): Head Coach Tony Samuel must replace 14 starters lost due to graduation. If that wasn't enough, the Redhawks face a brutal non-conference schedule that includes a trip to Purdue from the BCS Big Ten Conference.
3. Eastern Kentucky (6-5): With four straight wins, including an upset win over then No. 2 ranked Jacksonville State, to end the 2010 season, don't count out the Colonels among the list of OVC championship contenders in 2011.
4. Murray State (6-5): The Racers also ended 2010 on a high note, winning three straight games to close it out.
5. UT-Martin (6-5): The Skyhawks are looking to soar as well after winning back-to-back games to end last season.
6. Tennessee Tech (5-6): The Golden Eagles scored at least 30 points in four of the five games that they won last season, while being held to less than 30 points in all six losses.
7. Eastern Illinois (2-9): Back-to-back wins late in the 2010 season kept the Panthers from going winless.
8. Austin Peay (2-9): The Governors will play two teams from the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)--(formerly NCAA Division I-A) to open the 2011 season; against Cincinnati from the BCS Big East Conference, as well as Memphis from the BCS non-AQ Conference USA.
9. Tennessee State (3-8): The Tigers hope to turn things around after going winless in OVC play at 0-7 last season.
4 years ago
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