Keys to victory: SEMO vs Tennessee Tech

SEMO has surged into the national top ten, now ranked No. 9 following a commanding 37-26 victory over Eastern Illinois. Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent is on the brink of breaking two significant records against Tennessee Tech: he’s just 35 yards away from becoming the all-time leader in passing yards and tied the record for passing touchdowns after last week’s game.

Keys to Victory

Offensive Line Play-

SEMO will need to adapt after losing All-American offensive lineman and team leader Zack Gieg to a serious knee injury against EIU. Freshman Carter Guillaume will step in to fill his role. Tennessee Tech boasts the top run defense in the OVC, allowing only 88 rushing yards per game, while SEMO averages 102.3. The Redhawks will utilize multiple backs, including Payton Brown, Darell Smith, and Cole Ruble. Additionally, the offensive line aims to protect DeLaurent, who benefits from one of the league's best pass-protection units, ranked among the top three in the OVC for fewest sacks allowed.

Efficient Passing-

DeLaurent, with 1,669 passing yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns this season, is on the verge of history. He’ll look to connect with standout receiver Dorian Anderson, who ranks second in the OVC with six receiving touchdowns, and tight end Mitchell Sellers, who is third with five. Given Tennessee Tech's vulnerability in the secondary, allowing 285.2 passing yards per game, exploiting this matchup will be critical for SEMO.

Stopping the Run-

Tennessee Tech leads the OVC in rushing yards, averaging 165 per game, with Jalen Mitchell as their primary ball-carrier, racking up 249 yards and a touchdown on 55 attempts. SEMO concedes 125.5 rushing yards per game but allows just 202.5 yards through the air. With Tennessee Tech starting true freshman quarterback Jordyn Potts, who has thrown for 734 yards and six touchdowns with a 57.3 completion percentage, forcing the Golden Eagles to rely on their passing game will significantly enhance SEMO's chances of victory.

This matchup carries high stakes for the OVC, as both teams sit at 2-0. The Redhawks are on a four-game winning streak, and the winner will claim sole possession of first place, while the loser will fall to second. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM at Houck Stadium.