As if this Saturday’s matchup at Murray State was not already circled in red on everyone’s calendar, the events leading up to the regular season finale make it even more of a must-see.

The UTM-Murray State rivalry has always been competitive, but this year’s game will write a new chapter in both schools’ history.

UTM’s loss to Eastern Kentucky changed the complexion of the Ohio Valley Conference race. A win over Murray State is even more critical now. The Skyhawks will win their first-ever conference championship if they defeat the Racers this weekend and Tennessee State loses to Eastern Kentucky.

Rewind to this time last year. The Skyhawks were under the direction of third-year coach Matt Griffin. They were having their best season in years and a win over Murray State meant that UTM would have its first winning season since 1993.

The Skyhawks beat the Racers decisively 49-20 on a cold Thursday night in November. It was the first win over Murray State since 1992.

The shape of UTM’s football program was changing. The future looked bright with Griffin at the helm and there was early excitement for 2006. Then a wrinkle was added to the picture. Griffin jumped ship last December to take the vacant coaching position at, of all places, Murray State.

Fast forward to now. Griffin’s Racers are 1-9. They have yet to win a conference game and are sitting in the conference cellar. Skyhawk fans could not be happier.

Griffin’s replacement, Jason Simpson, is leading UTM to one of the best seasons in school history. Before last week’s loss to EKU, the Skyhawks had won eight straight games, were unbeaten in conference play, had the highest national ranking in school history at No. 8 and were the sole leader in the OVC.

UTM has had the sweet feeling of success this year. Murray State has not. Despite the opposite fortunes of both teams, the Racers still stand in the way of the Skyhawks completing a dream season.

Murray State knows all that is at stake for the Skyhawks and will certainly not let them waltz into the I-AA playoffs wearing conference championship rings. Spoiling UTM’s conference title and playoff chances are all Griffin’s bunch has left to play for. They will have a lot of pride going into Saturday’s game. Let’s just hope the Skyhawks have more of it.