SEMO’s football schedule this year has six Big South-OVC games, four FCS non-conference matchups, and one FBS opponent.
Here are game-by-game predictions for the Redhawks, who are ranked No. 11 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25.
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at Kansas State
SEMO should have a respectable performance against a good P5 squad. But this will likely be a three-possession win for K-State. SEMO’s keys are to compete, see good performances from its pro prospects for their film evaluation, and stay healthy while collecting its $425,000 guarantee.
Loss
vs Lindenwood
Lindenwood is transitioning from D2 and competed well last year. It beat a solid Central Arkansas team 52-49 and lost to SEMO 49-28. This isn’t an opponent to overlook after a P5 game and before an anticipated matchup the next week.
Win
vs Southern Illinois (Received Votes)
This game will be big for playoff implications. If SIU is the fourth or fifth-place team in the MVFC and they beat Big South-OVC champ SEMO, that’s huge for their at-large status. Or vice versa if SEMO beats SIU, doesn’t get the Big South-OVC auto-bid, and SIU is in the playoff conversation.
SEMO won 34-31 at SIU last season when the Salukis were ranked No. 17. SIU has more questions than the Redhawks, who bring back a same-look squad. I’ll ride with the home team.
Win
at No. 21 Eastern Kentucky
This was a 28-23 loss last year on SEMO’s Homecoming, its only regular-season L to an FCS team. And it’s another big non-conference game in the playoff picture as EKU is the favorite to win the United Athletic Conference.
SEMO’s defense will be tested by elite QB Parker McKinney. But I also don’t know if EKU’s defense will be able to stop Paxton DeLaurent, Geno Hess, Ryan Flournoy, and Co.
Win
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at Central Arkansas
UCA is another top team in the United Athletic Conference and is an under-the-radar team that arguably should be getting more preseason Top 25 love. In HERO Sports’ series ranking the top returning FCS players by position, UCA had the third most players mentioned with seven.
This does come after a bye week for SEMO. But it’s going to be a tough place to get a win.
Loss
vs Eastern Illinois
EIU went 2-9 last year and lost some key players to the transfer portal this offseason.
Win
at Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech hasn’t had an above .500 football season since 2011.
Win
at Nicholls
Nicholls, a team we’ve seen in the playoffs from 2017-2019 out of the Southland, has fallen off and finished 3-8 in 2022.
Win
vs Robert Morris
Since joining the Big South, Robert Morris has gone 0-3 in the 2021 spring, 4-6 in 2021, and 0-11 last year.
Win
at UT Martin
Last year, SEMO and UT Martin both went 5-0 in the OVC standings. They did not play each other due to conference membership turnover and teams not wanting to cancel non-conference games late. The playoff AQ tiebreaker was decided by a coin flip, which was won by SEMO and left UT Martin out of the bracket at 7-4 overall.
UT Martin will be strong this year and will challenge SEMO and Gardner-Webb for the Big South-OVC auto-bid. The Redhawks have too much firepower, though, and its veteran leadership will be key in a challenging road slate.
Win
at Bryant
Bryant is investing in football at a higher level, joining the Big South last year after playing in the NEC from 2009-21. The Bulldogs are now set to join the CAA in 2023.
Bryant has some talent, led by QB Zevi Eckhaus (3,228 yards, 26 TDs, 15 INT. in 2022). But it went 4-7 last season. A day before Selection Sunday and a potential playoff seed on the line, SEMO isn’t dropping this one.
Win
Regular-Season Record Prediction: 9-2
