Evening roundup: OVC camps cookin'

Depending on where in the O-Valley you were standing, Monday was either the first or second day of fall drills. Regardless, it was a hot one, with temperatures ranging from 89 degrees in Charleston, Ill., and Cookeville, Tenn., to 99 in Jacksonville, Ala.

Defending conference champs Eastern Illinois held media day Monday. This release from the athletic department says most of the talk was about the season opener at Illinois and the league prediction for EIU to finish behind Eastern Kentucky for the title. Coach Bob Spoo apparently hasn't yet settled on who will be his starting quarterback - junior returnee Mike Donato or Ball State transfer Cole Stinson. I'll look for extra Panthers coverage in tomorrow's papers.

Jacksonville State hit the field Monday afternoon in near 100-degree temperatures. Coach Jack Crowe said it was easy to tell who had worked out over the summer and who hadn't, according to this realease from the school.

Murray State's Web site continued its excellent coverage of the Racers' camp in day two, in this lengthy press release. There's another photo album too. Four MSU quarterbacks spent equal time under center, the release said.

Samford kicked off fall practice in the summer heat Monday, working two hours in helmets and shorts before taking conditioning tests, according to this press release. Samford also has a photo gallery of practice online.

UT-Martin players reported to campus Monday, according to a release from the school. Meetings and housekeeping were the order of the day. The Skyhawks hit the field for the first time Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Tennessee Tech's Web site also has an excellent report form the first day of practice, with interviews from several players and a smattering of photos.

EDIT (Aug, 8, 9:10 p.m.): TTU link now fixed. Thanks, Golden Eagle.