FCS 2018: Ohio Valley Conference Preview

(STATS) – The road to the Ohio Valley Conference title really goes through Jacksonville State, and it’s not just because the Gamecocks have won 32 straight games against their rivals.

The conference’s dominating power has the luxury of playing home games against their three strongest challengers – Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois and UT Martin.

If there is a year to knock off the Gamecocks, it’s this one, because they replace key players in their lineup, but accomplishing it is easier said than done, of course.

Close games are expected after the OVC became more defensive-oriented last season, when no team averaged 30 points or 400 offensive yards.

Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2018 OVC race and STATS’ predicted order of finish:

1. Jacksonville State

2. Austin Peay

3. Eastern Illinois

4. UT Martin

5. Tennessee State

6. Eastern Kentucky

7. Murray State

8. Southeast Missouri

9. Tennessee Tech

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TEAM CAPSULES=

1. JACKSONVILLE STATE GAMECOCKS=

LOCATION: Jacksonville, Alabama

STADIUM: JSU Stadium

HEAD COACH: John Grass (43-8, four seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 10-2, 8-0 OVC (1st)

STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (7 offense/5 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Zerrick Cooper, QB, So. (Clemson transfer); Zion Webb, QB, R-Fr.; Tramel Terry, RB, Sr.; Jaelen Greene, RB, So. (Cincinnati transfer); Shaq Davidson, WR, R-Sr.; Trae Barry, TE, So.; B.J. Autry, OL, Sr.; Tyler Scozzaro, C, Sr.; Darius Anderson, OL, Jr.; Randy Robinson, DT, Sr.; Connor Christian, DL, Sr.; Denzil Ware, DE, Sr. (Kentucky transfer); Quan Stoudemire, LB, Sr.; Marlon Bridges, S, Jr.; Traco Williams, S, Jr.; Cade Stinnett, PK, Sr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Roc Thomas, RB; Justin Lea, OL; Darius Jackson, DE

OUTLOOK: While the senior losses are substantial, the Gamecocks feel confident as they plug fresh faces into leading roles. Their last conference loss (in 2013) predates all the players, but they also seek better playoff results, having lost in their first postseason game as the No. 3 seed in three of the last four years. The new quarterback will likely be Clemson transfer Cooper, and RB Terry is asked to replace Thomas, the OVC offensive player of the year. On defense, Jackson, the STATS FCS Buck Buchanan Award winner, is gone, but DT Robinson and S Bridges (the OVC preseason player of the year) are standouts. The season starts early on Aug. 25 against unbeaten Celebration Bowl champ North Carolina A&T. While more vulnerable, the Gamecocks figure to stay on a high level.

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2. AUSTIN PEAY GOVERNORS=

LOCATION: Clarksville, Tennessee

STADIUM: Governors Stadium

HEAD COACH: Will Healy (8-15, two seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 8-4, 7-1 OVC (2nd)

STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (8 offense/8 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Jeremiah Oatsvall, QB, So.; JaVaughn Craig, QB, Jr.; Ahmaad Tanner, RB, So.; Kentel Williams, RB, Jr.; Ryan Rockensuess, OG, Sr.; Kyle Anderton, OT, Sr.; Jaison Williams, DE, Jr.; Nate Howard, DE, Jr.; Gunnar Scholato, LB, Sr.; Malik Davis, DB, Sr.; Kordell Jackson, DB, So.; Demetrius Market, DB, Jr. (Southern Miss transfer); Juantarius Bryant, DB, R-Jr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Kyran Moore, WR/RS; Jeremiah Mitchell, LB; Malik Boynton, DB

OUTLOOK: Healy won the 2017 STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award while leading a stunning turnaround, the end of a 29-game losing streak and 47 losses in a 48-game span plus a second-place finish. This season, the Governors enter the season with high expectations and their first national ranking (No. 22 preseason). Most of the key players are back, including DE Williams and LB Scholato on a much-improved defense. The offense is young, yet experienced, and Healy can utilize two quarterbacks (Oatsvall and Craig) and running backs (Williams and Tanner). The Govs came up clutch in close games last season, so that must continue. Their road schedule is especially difficult, including September games against Georgia and Jacksonville State.

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3. EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS=

LOCATION: Charleston, Illinois

STADIUM: O’Brien Stadium

HEAD COACH: Kim Dameron (24-22, four seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 6-5, 5-3 OVC (3rd)

STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (6 offense/6 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Scotty Gilkey Jr., QB, R-So.; Harry Woodbery, QB, Jr. (Navarro JC transfer); Johnathan Brantley, QB, Jr. (Tulane transfer); Isaiah Johnson, RB, Sr.; Alexander Hollins, WR, Sr.; Aaron Callaway, C, Sr.; Grant Branch, OL, Sr.; Josh Price, DL, Sr.; Joe Caputo, LB, R-Jr.; Dytarious Johnson, LB, So.; Mark Williams, DB, R-So.; Iziah Gulley, S, R-So.; Xzavier Shugars, S, R-Jr.; Nick Bruno, PK/P, R-Sr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Louis Vailopa, C; David Johnson, DE; Bradley Dewberry, S

OUTLOOK: The Panthers, seeking their first FCS playoff bid since 2015, have too strong of a program to be hovering around .500. Gilkey made five starts behind center last season, but as the offense shifts more to the pass, there’s competition with transfers Brantley and Woodberry. The starter can bank on strong play from RB Johnson (683 yards, 5 TDs) and WR Hollins, and the offensive line is experienced. On defense, the secondary is a strength. If it’s a tight game, the Panthers appear set, having won six times by three or fewer points last season (including three overtime games).

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4. UT MARTIN SKYHAWKS=

LOCATION: Martin, Tennessee

STADIUM: Graham Stadium

HEAD COACH: Jason Simpson (78-59, 12 seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 6-5, 4-4 OVC (4th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (7 offense/6 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Dresser Winn, QB, So.; LaDarius Galloway, RB, Sr.; Peyton Logan, RB/KR, So.; Jaimiee Bowe, RB, R-Jr.; Jaylon Moore, WR, R-Jr.; Austin Newsom, OL, R-Jr.; Anthony Brown, DL, R-Sr.; Julian Crutchfield, DL, R-Jr.; Garrett Wall, LB, R-Sr.; James Gilleylen, LB, R-Sr.; Kevin Prather, Jr., LB, Sr.; Porter Streator III, S, Gr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Kahlid Hagens, S; Joseph Este, S; Tae Martin, S

OUTLOOK: In a disappointing campaign last year, the Skyhawks got a jumpstart on this season by pulling the redshirt on QB Winn at midseason. The experience helps, but the offense will be run-dominated with RBs Galloway (859 yards, 4 TDs) and Bowe, who returns from an Achilles tear. The Skyhawks allowed a conference-low 14.3 points per game. LBs Gilleylen and Prather led the team in tackles as juniors, but the defense will need a lift in the secondary after suffering significant losses. In 12 seasons, Martin has never finished below .500 in OVC games.

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5. TENNESSEE STATE TIGERS=

LOCATION: Nashville, Tennessee

STADIUM: LP Field and Hale Stadium

HEAD COACH: Rod Reed (49-42, eight seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 6-5, 2-5 OVC (Tie/7th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (9 offense/5 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Demry Croft, QB, R-Jr. (Minnesota transfer); Michael Hughes, QB, R-Jr.; Te’kendrick Roberson, RB, Jr. (Ellsworth CC transfer); Steven Newbold, WR, Jr.; Chris Rowland, WR/RS, Jr.; DeVon Johnson, WR/RS, R-Sr.; Chidi Okeke, OT, R-Jr.; Jamahl Jelks, OL, Jr.; Thomas Burton, C, Sr.; Mekhi Brown, DE, Jr. (Alabama transfer); Jeremy Patterson, DT, R-Sr.; Blair Edwards, LB, Sr.; LaQuarius Cook, S, R-Sr.; Vincent Sellers, S, So.; Dajour Nesbeth, CB, Jr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Patrick Smith, WR; Ebenezer Ogundeko, DE; Chris Collins, LB

OUTLOOK: A disappointing OVC season wrecked last year’s promising start, which began with a win at Georgia State. This season, the Tigers are retooling on defense, but the additions include former Alabama LB Brown. Plus, the secondary is strong with Sellers and Nesbeth leading the way. QB Hughes impressed with 15 TD passes last season and Minnesota transfer Croft is in the picture. The offense is full of weapons and WR Newbold is the deep threat to stretch defenses. Reed needs one win to reach 50 at TSU.

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6. EASTERN KENTUCKY COLONELS=

LOCATION: Richmond, Kentucky

STADIUM: Roy Kidd Stadium

HEAD COACH: Mark Elder (7-15, two seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 4-7, 3-5 OVC (Tie/5th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (7 offense/7 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Austin Scott, QB, R-So.; L.J. Scott, RB, R-Sr.; Daryl McCleskey Jr., RB, Jr.; Neiko Creamer, WR, R-Sr.; Jaelin Carter, WR, So.; Dan Paul, TE, R-Sr.; Justin Myles, OL, R-Sr.; Cameron Kowlewski, OL, R-Sr.; Aaron Patrick, DE, R-Jr.; Taquan Evans, DE, R-Jr.; Gavin Bryant, LB, R-Sr.; Corey Glass, LB, Sr.; Cornelius Floyd, DB, R-Sr.; Josh Hayes, DB, R-So. (Purdue transfer); Frank Sumpter, DB, R-Jr. (Illinois transfer)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Ryan Markush, WR; Luder Jean Louis, DE; Jeffrey Canady, LB

OUTLOOK: The longtime OVC power (21 all-time playoff appearances) needs a lift in Elder’s third season and the Colonels hope his recruiting classes make a difference. They ranked 87th in the FCS with only 20.7 points per game, so improvement would start there. QB Scott is the most experienced signal caller on the roster, having gotten into every game as a redshirt freshman. RB McCleskey (558 rushing yards, 5.1 yards per carry) is coming off a strong season and seeks the next step. The defense returns seven starters and adds some key FBS transfers in the secondary. The biggest gain is getting back All-OVC DE Patrick from injury.

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7. MURRAY STATE RACERS=

LOCATION: Murray, Kentucky

STADIUM: Roy Stewart Stadium

HEAD COACH: Mitch Stewart (10-23, three seasons)

2017 RECORDS: 3-8, 2-5 OVC (Tie/7th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (8 offense/5 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Shuler Bentley, QB, R-Sr.; Drew Anderson, QB, R-Sr. (Buffalo transfer); Justin Connor, RB, Jr. (East Mississippi CC transfer); Quarderman Sloan, RB, Jr. (Northwest Mississippi CC transfer); Jensen Feggins, WR, R-Jr.; Rodney Castille, WR, So.; Chris White, OL, Sr.; Dallas Danner, OL, Jr. (Itawamba CC transfer); Kenney Wooten, DL, Sr.; T.J. Warren, LB, R-Jr. (Missouri transfer); Quincy Williams, LB, R-Sr.; Marquez Sanford, DB/RS, Sr.; Davonta Wilson, DB, Fr.; Gabriel Vicente, PK, R-Jr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Jordon Gandy, WR; D’Montre Wade, CB; Landon Stratton, P

OUTLOOK: The Racers haven’t had a winning season since 2011, when Stewart was an assistant coach. Tough non-conference games (Southern Illinois, Central Arkansas and Kentucky) might be overwhelming from the start. A veteran offense, which isn’t explosive as in past seasons, expects to improve this year. QB Bentley (1,789 yards, 13 TDs) or perhaps Buffalo grad transfer Anderson will work behind a solid offensive line. The top three tacklers were lost on defense, but Wooten is strong up front. Vicente (14 of 18 on field goals) was one of two place-kickers named to the OVC preseason team.

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8. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REDHAWKS=

LOCATION: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

STADIUM: Houck Stadium

HEAD COACH: Tom Matukewicz (15-30, four seasons; 16-30 overall)

2017 RECORDS: 3-8, 3-5 OVC (Tie/5th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 10 (5 offense/5 defense)

KEY PLAYERS: Daniel Santacaterina, QB, Jr. (Northern Illinois transfer); Marquis Terry, RB, Sr.; Kristian Wilkerson, WR, Jr.; Jerrick Orr, WR, Jr. (Northwest Mississippi CC transfer); Zack Smith, WR, So.; Drew Forbes, LT, Sr.; Lucas Orchard, C, Sr.; Junior Pierre, RG, Sr.; Clarence Thornton, DE, Jr.; Reggie Miles, NT, Jr.; Zach Hall, ILB, Jr.; Devin Alexander, ILB, Sr.; Justin Swift, OLB, Jr.; Bydarrius Knighten, FS, So.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Jesse Hosket, QB; Kendall Donnerson, OLB; Mike Ford, CB

OUTLOOK: Last year’s team suffered five losses by a combined 17 points, so that provides hope for an improved record. But the Red Hawks lost a lot on defense in Donnerson, Ford and LB Chad Meredith. It leaves ILB Hall as this year’s defensive leader. The offense has standouts: RB Terry, who surpassed 1,000 yards last season and is the OVC’s 2018 preseason offensive player of the year; WR Wilkerson, who caught 52 passes; and LT Forbes, a pro prospect. The question is at quarterback, where a competition includes transfer Santacaterina (Northern Illinois) and Joe Pyle (Golden West). Incredibly, opponents blocked eight kicks in 2017.

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9. TENNESSEE TECH GOLDEN EAGLES=

LOCATION: Cookeville, Tennessee

STADIUM: Tucker Stadium

HEAD COACH: Dewayne Alexander (first season; 41-33 overall)

2017 RECORDS: 1-10, 1-7 OVC (9th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (8 offensive/7 defensive)

KEY PLAYERS: Luke Ward, QB, R-Jr.; Adam Browner, QB, So.; Andrew Goldsmith, RB, Jr.; Deven Sullivan, RB, Sr.; Alex Carling, TE, Sr.; Josh Cunningham, WR, Sr.; Hunter Coleman, WR, Jr.; Tim Collins, DE, Sr.; Anthony Akers, DT, Sr.; Josh Poplar, LB, R-Jr.; Aderick Moore, LB, Jr.; Dami Adekunjo, CB, Jr.; Eriq Fadahunsi, Nickel, Jr.; Nick Madonia, PK, Sr.

THREE KEY LOSSES: Andre Sale, QB; Dontez Byrd, WR; Elliott Normand, LB

OUTLOOK: Alexander has come home to Tennessee Tech, where he was a player, a graduate assistant and an assistant on Watson Brown’s staff before briefly serving as the interim coach following Brown’s retirement in December 2015. There’s 15 returning starters, but last year’s QB, Sale, transferred to LSU. Ward, last year’s backup, figures to take over the offense, whose top offensive threat is RB Goldsmith. The defense was better than the numbers indicated last season and it welcomes back LB Poplar from a stroke, which sidelined him all of last season. The schedule is rugged, and Tech will be the underdog in most games.