Wednesday morning news

EDIT (10:17 P.M.): Just saw that the SEMO link below led to an Anniston Star story. Whoops. Now fixed. Sorry folks.

Here's what's online this morning from newspapers covering OVC teams:

Austin Peay got into pads for the first time Tuesday, and then got into it during a series of goal-line drills, according to the (Clarksville, Tenn.) Leaf Chronicle. Coach Carroll McCray seemed impressed with the hitting.

Eastern Illinois Coach Bob Spoo will miss at least a few days of camp, as he heads to St. Louis today for an undisclosed medical procedure, according to the (Charleston, Ill.) Journal Gazette/Times-Courier. Offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mark Hutson will run camp in Spoo's absence. Athletic director Rich McDuffie said Spoo may return by the weekend or early next week. Here's a release from EIU on Spoo's hiatus.

Jacksonville State junior Matt Hardin attempted to answer at least one of the question marks the Gamecocks have at the quarterback position, according to The Anniston (Ala.) Star (sorry, subscribers only). In a scrimmage Tuesday night, Hardin, taking over as the starter, threw six touchdown passes to five different receivers. There's still a big question at the No. 2 spot, however. Redshirt freshman Shea Allen was 0-for-3. Here's JSU's report on the scrimmage, including a video interview with coach Jack Crowe.

Southeast Missouri's defense dominated the Redhawks' first scrimmage Tuesday, according to the Southeast Missourian. The D kept the offense out of the end zone until the end of the scrimmage, when both units had backups on the field.

Finally, there's news out of the media black hole of Martin, Tenn. The Weakley County Press reports that UT-Martin's first week of camp has gone well. Coach Jason Simpson says James Pritchard is leading the race for the starting QB job; with Greg Preston and Dexter Anoka fighting for the backup slot.

News from other teams' Web sites:

Murray State worked on special teams play Tuesday. Today they'll scrimmage, at 3:35. And of course, there's the obligatory photo album.

Samford worked late after a storm blew through Birmingham in the afternoon. Coach Bill Gray says he'd rather have is team working in the heat of the day to improve their conditioning.

Tennessee State got the day off Tuesday. Coach James Webster said the team needs to be better conditioned. Offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss said the Tigers' passing game is looking good, but the ground game needs work.

Tennessee Tech says its Sept. 21 visit from Eastern Kentucky will be broadcast on ESPNU. Looks like the athletic department puts a local lead on an ESPN press release.