Friday's news

Here's what the papers have on the OVC today:

The (Charleston, Ill.) Journal Gazette/Times-Courier says Eastern Illinois coach Bob Spoo was at the Panthers' practice Thursday, ahead of surgery planned for Tuesday. The school says Spoo will miss four to six weeks as he recovers. Spoo told the paper his goal is to be back by the Panthers' OVC opener Sept. 23 at Samford.

As if having 2005 OVC player of the year Josh Greco at quarterback wasn't enough, the Richmond (Ky.) Register says Eastern Kentucky will have a serious triple threat at running back this season. Returning starter Mark Dunn is joined by redshirt freshman C.J. Walker and N.C. State transfer Bobby Washington.

Speaking of threats at running back, The Anniston (Ala.) Star (sorry, subscribers only), says Jacksonville State star Clay Green gave everyone a scare at Thursday's scrimmage. Green left the field with a knee injury midway through the practice game, though he remained on the sidelines and walked around without a noticeable limp afterward, the paper said. Green expects to play at Furman Sept. 2. And if that happens during a real game, it'll be Green #2 stepping in for Green #1. JSU coach Jack Crowe confirmed the team will play true freshman Shawn Green this season. Former #2 back Markus Douglas is said to have left the team because of the decision. If the coaches still had any doubt their decision, it was likely gone after Green #2 returned the scrimmage's opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

Southeast Missouri State has signed a deal to play the Big East's Cincinatti Bearcats in 2007 and 2009, the Southeast Missourian reports. Maybe UC is looking to join the OVC? They open the 2006 season against Eastern Kentucky next week.

The (Nashville) Tennessean says Tennessee State will head to LP Field Saturday for a run-though of what they expect in their Sept. 2 season opener against Alabama A&M. Also, the Tennessean's had an item Thursday I missed - a short report on Austin Peay and its return to scholarship ball and the OVC. I've also missed two columns from TSU beat writer Mike Organ - one on the Tigers' improved offense, and another on coach James Webster being anxious to start the season.