RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team passed a big test last week against Tennessee State, but faces another tough challenge this Saturday at Jacksonville State. Game time is set for 4 p.m. ET.

Saturday's game can be seen for FREE on the OVC Digital Network.

Eastern Kentucky (6-3, 4-1 OVC) is now riding a four-game winning streak and has put itself back into FCS playoff contention. However, that could all change this weekend in Alabama. Jacksonville State (7-2, 3-2) still has plans to crash the playoff party as well thanks to coming out on top in two straight road games.

The Colonel defense has responded in emphatic fashion since giving up 42 points at Eastern Illinois on Sept. 28. EKU has held each of its last four opponents to 10 points or less, including a shutout over Tennessee State one week ago. Eastern's defense leads the OVC in rushing yards allowed (99.4) and ranks second in scoring defense (20.8 points per game).

On offense, junior quarterback Jared McClain is coming off a stellar game where he threw three touchdown passes and ran for a team-high 73 yards versus Tennessee State.

Jacksonville State is under new leadership at head coach and quarterback. Bill Clark is in his first year as head coach after serving the last five years as defensive coordinator at South Alabama. The Gamecocks have used three quarterbacks this season, including Minnesota transfer Max Shortell, who leads the squad in passing yards (1,147) and touchdowns (four).

JSU averages more than 200 yards per game on the ground and feature the league's third leading rusher in DaMarcus James. James scored five touchdowns last week in the 42-10 win at Austin Peay. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks' defense has allowed an OVC-low 22 touchdowns this season.

Eastern has won three straight in this series while averaging 50.7 points per game in that stretch.

Following this game, the Colonels conclude their home schedule with an OVC match-up against UT Martin on Saturday, Nov. 16.


GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Game Notes
--Click here for EKU game notes.

Opponent Information
--Click here for the Jacksonville State football web site.
--Click here for JSU's game notes.

Television
--None

Video Streaming
--Saturday's game can be seen on the web for FREE on the OVC Digital Network.

Live Audio
--Saturday's game can be heard locally on WCYO 100.7 FM. Click here for live radio broadcast!  WCYO is now streaming on most mobile devices. Download the TuneIn Radio app, available for iPhone/iPod/iPad, Android, Blackberry, Palm and Windows Phone.

Live Stats
--Click here for live stats!

Social Media
Twitter: @EKUSports, @EKUFootball, #GoBigE

Ticket Information
--Tickets are available by calling the Jacksonville State ticket office at 256) 782-8499.

Directions
--Click here for directions to Jacksonville State University.

Weather
--Saturday's forecast in Jacksonville calls for a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 73 degrees. Sunset is slated for 5:33 p.m. ET with temperatures dipping into the 50s at night.

Storylines
--Eastern Kentucky's red zone defense has been particularly stout in OVC games, allowing scores on just 7-of-12 trips (58.3 percent) inside the 20-yard line.

--Eastern's defense forced a season-high four turnovers versus TSU last weekend. Sophomore DB Paul Ritter returned one fumble for a first quarter touchdown, marking the second defensive score of the season. During the current four-game winning streak, EKU is outscoring the opposition in points off turnovers, 37-3.

--Senior P Jordan Berry and the rest of the EKU punting unit ranks second nationally (FCS) in net punting at 41.7 yards per punt. Over the last three games, Berry has booted six punts at least 50 yards, including a 76-yarder at Southeast Missouri on Oct. 26.