Last week Eastern football lost a key Ohio Valley Conference matchup that dropped them out if the conference title hunt. While they may not be mathematically eliminated it would take nothing short of a Florida recount for them to win the OVC crown.

But that doesn’t mean they still can’t affect the outcome of the title hunt. This weekend the Panthers host Jacksonville State (7-1, 5-1), who is not only at the top of the OVC standings but is ranked 14 nationally.

Tennessee Tech, who Eastern lost to last weekend, Eastern Kentucky and Murray State all sit just below Jacksonville State in the standings with two conference losses a piece. Tennessee Tech has handed the Gamecocks their only loss this season when they beat them 16-13 three weeks ago. After the Panthers game last week, Tennessee Tech players wished Eastern players good luck knowing that Jacksonville State was next up for them, defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said.

Eastern knows full well what this game means. Not only are they playing for pride and a .500 season but also in hopes of stopping Jacksonville State in their campaign for a second straight OVC crown.

Not only is it going to be a game to make an impact in the conference and playoff situation, but for Eastern’s nine seniors it will be their last game at O’Brien Stadium. The seniors and their parents will be recognized before Saturday’s 1:30 p.m. kickoff.

And if anyone doubts the Panthers determination for this game, last week is a prime example of Eastern’s motivation. Down by 21 points with nine minutes remaining, the Panthers rallied back to tie the game and send it to overtime. Although the Panthers lost in the first overtime, they made an amazing comeback and showed a fourth-quarter fight that they didn’t have at the beginning of the season, which is a sign of a great transformation and maturing of this team.

This weekend will not only be a chance to say goodbye to a group of seniors but a chance to see Eastern go out with a bang as they hope to upset Jacksonville State.