Eastern at bottom of OVC bucket

Four weeks into the regular season, three teams remain undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference play, while Eastern currently sits at the bottom of the rankings, posting the worst record in the conference.

Jacksonville State, coming off a win at home against Eastern, ranks No. 1 with a 2-0 conference record. The Gamecocks have a 3-1 record overall and are undefeated at home. The Gamecocks are one of two OVC teams to be ranked in the Football Conference Subdivision top 25.

Tennessee Tech is ranked No. 2, also posting a 2-0 record in conference. The Golden Eagles are also posting a 3-1 overall recording, winning three straight since losing their opening game of the season.

UT-Martin finished week four with a No. 3 ranking in conference, posting a record of 1-1 against OVC teams. The Skyhawks have a record of 2-1 overall, and are one of two teams in the OVC with .500 conference records.

Austin Peay has played only one OVC game and emerged victorious to post a 1-0 conference record. The Governors have an overall record of 1-0 so far this season and are ranked No. 4.

Murray State is ranked No. 5 in the OVC, currently posting a 1-1 record in conference play. The Racers have a .500 record not only in their conference schedule, but also overall, as they currently have a 2-2 record.

Eastern Kentucky is one of four OVC teams to not have a conference win, posting an 0-1 record. The Colonels have an overall record of 1-3 and are currently on a two-game losing streak. Eastern Kentucky is currently No. 6.

Tennessee State is currently ranked No. 7 with a 0-1 conference record, while also posting a 1-3 record overall. Tennessee State has lost three straight games going into week five.

Southeast Missouri is currently 0-1 in conference, but are the only team in the OVC to be winless on the year. The Redhawks have an 0-3 record overall and are second to last in the OVC, currently sitting at No. 8.

Coming in last place in the OVC rankings is Eastern, who lost both of their conference games, giving them a record of 0-2. The Panthers lost to the top two teams in the conference, Jacksonville State and Tennessee Tech. The Panthers have a 1-3 overall record, with their only win coming against non-conference opponent and in-state rival, Illinois State.

The Panthers will continue with their OVC schedule next week on the road against Southeast Missouri.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected].