The Tigers of Tennessee State (2-4, 1-0) look to remain unbeaten in Ohio Valley Conference play when they host Eastern Illinois this Saturday.
TSU defeated Tennessee Tech 30-14 last week in their conference opener. Sophomore running back Jalen Rouse ran for 126 yards on 20 carries, he has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in two of the last three games. Draylen Ellis had his most completions, 14, yards, 247, and touchdowns, 2, since the season opener against Eastern Washington. The defense was opportunistic and aggressive forcing three turnovers that led to 13 Tennessee State points.
Eastern Illinois enters the game sporting identical 2-4 overall and 1-0 Ohio Valley Conference records as their latest feline mascot opponents. The Panthers enter this OVC matchup fresh off a 37-34 overtime homecoming defeat at the hands of Lindenwood. It was a tough day for the EIU defense, as they gave up 501 yards of offense, 37 first downs, and nearly 200 yards, 199 to be precise, on the ground, with three Lindenwood ball carriers running for over 50 yards. Their inability to contain the Lion offense ultimately cost the Panthers, despite scoring first in overtime they were unable to keep Lindenwood out of the endzone on the game-deciding drive.
Why Tennessee State will win:
Eastern Illinois has the third-worst pass defense in the Ohio Valley Conference, allowing 278 yards per game. As was the case with Lindenwood’s Cade Brister, Tennessee State has a quarterback, Draylen Ellis, that will be able to take advantage of those opportunities. Players such as Zack Dobson, Cam Wyche, and J.J. Holloman will have their respective numbers called often and will have sizable impacts. If EIU adjusts or starts the game to focus on dealing with their pass defense deficiencies, that will play open things up for their running game which has topped 200 yards three times already this season.
Why Eastern Illinois will win:
While it is true that Eastern Illinois is amongst the worst in the OVC at defending the pass, they do lead the conference in interceptions with 6. Draylen Ellis has thrown an interception in 3 of the 5 games he’s played this season. They will have to add to this total and the environment for turnovers to occur will be created by getting to Ellis. This won’t be particularly daunting as Tennessee State allowed the second most sacks in the OVC with 19. Creating turnovers and short fields will help their offense tremendously. Eastern will have to run the ball well since that is the most potent facet of their mundane offense. All of TSU’s opponent, with the possible exception of Lane, has enjoyed varying degrees of success running the football and EIU can be no different. Eastern’s goals will be creating turnovers, capitalizing on those turnovers, and running the football.
Prediction: Tennessee State: 27 Eastern Illinois: 14
