Week 7 “Other” Conferences Breakdowns
This week we leave off Fordham and Charleston Southern as they hope to reach 7-0, and should be able to unless pretty big upsets occur. We start the action off early with two Thursday night games featuring a battle of some Carolina and Tennessee schools. Then we have a trio of big games that will impact the top of the standings in the SWAC, OVC and Big South. Last week’s predictions were only 3-3 as UCA lost at home for the first time in a couple of years and Fordham continued its winning streak against Lehigh. The season total is now at 23-9, but that average may see another dip this week with five good matchups for week 7.
South Carolina State (4-2) vs North Carolina Central (3-2), Thursday, 7:30 ET
SC State had a hard start to the schedule with games against FBS Clemson, and high ranked FCS Coastal Carolina; both who are undefeated still. Since then the Bulldogs have reeled off four wins in a row and get set for NC Central. The Eagles had a similar schedule early on with a loss to FBS Duke, and then a loss to another highly ranked FCS team in Towson. NC Central has already had their bye week so only have five games under their belts but has shown to be turning things around. This winner could set up well for a shot to battle MEAC power Bethune-Cookman for the conference title.
Projected Score: South Carolina State 33 – North Carolina Central 24
Tennessee-Martin (3-2) vs Tennessee Tech (3-3), Thursday, 8:00 ET
For these two OVC schools coming off conference losses, another loss could all but end the hopes of getting back in the race. UT-Martin has been strong all season behind QB Dylan Favre and prior to last week had only struggled on the road at Boise State. A tough loss on homecoming to JSU puts the Skyhawks in a hard spot to battle back from with games against EKU and EIU remaining.
Projected Score: Tennessee-Martin 42 – Tennessee Tech 24
Prairie View A&M (4-2) vs Alabama State (4-2), Saturday, 2:00 ET
Prairie View had to start the season playing on the road in four of their first five games, but have reached week 7 with a 4-2 record that includes a double OT loss at Southern, 62-59. After losing their opening two games by a combined nine points, Alabama State beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff by one to kick start their current four game win streak. The Hornets and Panthers each enter with an even 4-2 record and are in the hunt for a division title in the SWAC. The overall conference title may come down to these two again if they each win their respective divisions.
Projected Score: Prairie View A&M 31 – Alabama State 25
#23 Tennessee State (5-1) vs Jacksonville State (5-1), Saturday, 4:00 ET
Last season the Tigers were undefeated when they went to Jacksonville and walked away with a 31-28 overtime loss. The Gamecocks remember that game as well, and though JSU won’t be playing a true underdog role they still want to knock off TSU and be in position to finish high in the OVC. Regardless of the winner, both schools still have to face blistering Eastern Illinois who seems primed to take the conference title and automatic playoff spot. Only the next few schools will have a chance at a postseason berth. TSU is on a five game winning streak after falling to Bethune-Cookman to open the season, while JSU is coming off a big win on the road at UT-Martin.
Projected Score: Jacksonville State 27 - Tennessee State 17
Gardner-Webb (4-2) vs #8 Coastal Carolina (5-0), Saturday, 6:00 ET
These two schools, along with Charleston Southern, have separated themselves from the rest of the field in the Big South this season. However, this is still just the first conference game and the winner of this contest controls their own fate. The loser could have a strong season and possibly not have much to show for it at the end. Gardner-Webb had a crushing defeat last week 53-51 at Charlotte where the Bulldogs failed on a two-point try late that could have tied the game. The Chanticleers were off last week, but were on fire to start the season and hope to continue that pace.
Projected Score: Coastal Carolina 38 – Gardner-Webb 20
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