The Tigers can win this, but it won't be easy. Despite not having QB Michael German, Tennessee State was the only OVC team to lose to Eastern Illinois by less than 20 in the regular season. TSU does have German now, but this game's in Charleston & not Nashville. The Tigers have a very good defense, which makes them an aberration in the extremely high-scoring Ohio Valley. I don't see the Panthers losing this, but they can't sleepwalk through the game either. Side note: aside from punt return average (where they lead the nation), EIU's special teams are bloody awful.
Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:
Weather tomorrow in Charleston is forecast to be a high of 24 and 10-15 wind. On the field, that wind feels more like 25-30. Running game will need to step up. Garoppolo has played in the wind like this earlier in the season at home and at Murray. Short passes to receivers and Little were very effective. Not sure how TSU will respond, but their coach said earlier this week that they "have lots of boys from Florida, so they hate cold."
jcfrancis wrote:Weather tomorrow in Charleston is forecast to be a high of 24 and 10-15 wind. On the field, that wind feels more like 25-30. Running game will need to step up. Garoppolo has played in the wind like this earlier in the season at home and at Murray. Short passes to receivers and Little were very effective. Not sure how TSU will respond, but their coach said earlier this week that they "have lots of boys from Florida, so they hate cold."
Then those guys from Florida better buckle up not every game is in warm weather.
