Football Set To Face No. 3 JSU In OVC Race

Panthers and Gamecocks to play on ESPN3

11/11/2014 7:15:00 AM

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Eastern Illinois at No. 3 Jacksonville State
Snow Memorial Stadium (24,000) • Jacksonville, Ala.
November 15, 2014 • 3 p.m. • TV: ESPN3

THE GAME
Eastern Illinois won its fourth straight Ohio Valley Conference game on Saturday with a 48-26 win over Murray State to move into sole possession of second place in the OVC championship race. The Panthers are now 5-1 in the OVC and 5-5 for the season. If EIU wins out it will clinch its third straight OVC championship and the league's automatic berth to the FCS playoffs.

Jacksonville State remained the only undefeated team in the OVC as the Gamecocks picked up a road win at Eastern Kentucky handing the Colonels their second conference loss of the season. JSU will win the OVC title with a win over EIU on Saturday.

The game matches two of the top offensive units in the OVC with both teams featuring an explosive ground game. JSU is fourth in the nation in rushing offense with 292.3 yards per game while scoring 35.6 points per game. EIU is eighth in the nation in rushing offense at 250.3 yards per game while scoring 34 points per game. JSU is seventh in the nation in total offense while EIU is eighth in the nation in total offense.

While the focus of both teams will be on the offensive side of the ball whichever defense has the better day may decide the contest. EIU has moved into fourth in the nation in pass interceptions with 15 on the season. JSU's rush defense has limited opponents to 108.9 yards per game to rank 12th in the nation.

THE SERIES
This will be 12th meeting between Eastern Illinois and Jacksonville State. The Panthers hold a 6-5 all-time series lead after winning the last two meetings on their way to back-to-back OVC Championships. EIU hosted JSU in both seasons based on a schedule change by the league. The Panthers won 31-28 in 2012 and 52-14 last year. EIU lost 28-21 in 2011, its last visit to JSU. EIU is 3-2 in games played in Jacksonville.

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