Pre-post-season look

With the sun setting on the final weekend of OVC play, the OVC looks to be in its best shape for two playoff bids since the last time that feat was accomplished, in 2002.

Here's a quick look at who did what today:

UT-Martin 42, Murray State 14 - Martin left no doubt in Matt Griffin's mind exactly how far he'd taken the team before bolting to Murray State. The Skyhawks schooled the Racers and their former coach 42-14, to earn UTM's first playoff bid in school history.

Eastern Illinois 28, Jacksonville State 24 - EIU earned a share of its second-straight conference title and a good line on an at-large playoff spot with a come-from-behind win over JSU. The Gamecocks were up 21-7 at the break, but couldn't hold the Panthers back in the second half.

Eastern Kentucky 20, Tennessee State 3 - EKU finished its 29th-straight winning season with the victory over the Tigers, who had playoff aspirations heading into the game.

Tennessee Tech 32, Southeast Missouri State 29 - Tech ralled from 21-0 in the first half but managed to rally for the win to finish at .500 in OVC play.

Playoff hopes: UT-Martin is in for sure, and EIU makes a strong case with plenty of other team on the bubble at 7-4 ... though there's no telling what the committee will do. At least one knowledgeable prognosticator, The Sports Network's Matt Dougherty, figures the Panthers are in. He sees Martin visiting Illinois State in the first round, and EIU on the road at predicted fourth-seed Youngstown State.

The playoff committee makes its selections Sunday at 12:30 Central Time, with a live broadcast on ESPNews. See you then.