Tuesday news - Samford's staying

Here's what's in the papers this morning:

The most important item comes from The Birmingham (Ala.) News, where in his column today Mike Perrin takes note of the tug-of-war between the OVC and the Southern Conference. When UT-Chattanooga announced it was turning down the OVC's invite to join, school officials mentioned Samford as a possible new member for the SoCon. The folks at Samford apparently were expecting this, and had a statement prepared. "The OVC has been good to us," Samford AD Bob Roller told The News. "They were there for us when no one else was and we've been very competitive. We're convinced the OVC is the right place for us."

Well, I guess that settles that. Now all we've got to worry about is Tennessee State and the SWAC.

The (Clarksville, Tenn) Leaf Chronicle says the Thursday night game against Samford gives the Govs little time to prepare for the second of its three OVC opponents this season. Of course, coach Carroll McCray notes, that also gives them 10 days to prepare for Dayton the following week.

The Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal says Bobby Washington has forgetten all about that I-A team he used to play for (North ... somthing?). And it's a good thing for Eastern Kentucky. The running back got 103 yards and a touchdown against Western Kentucky Saturday.

The Anniston (Ala.) Star (sorry, subscribers only) says Jacksonville State coach Jack Crowe has backed off his threat to load up the Gamecocks' special teams units with offensive and defensive starters. That was the plan immediately after JSU dropped a tight one to Furman Sept. 2, in part because of blown coverage on a late kickoff. The Star notes that JSU went 0-3 to start last year, including a loss to Furman; their first win came against Southeast Missouri. That's the Gamecocks' first league opponent this week,too. Crowe says his team should have its hands full.

The Murray (Ky.) Ledger & Times finally checks in with its run-down of Murray State's loss Saturday to Tennessee State.

The Southeast Missourian says SEMO has fixed its problems with punting and penalties that lingered last season. It helps when the punter you're working on is David Simonhoff.

Tennessee State punter Tim Ehert will play Saturday in the Tigers' Heritage Classic matchup against Jackson State. TSU had said the Florida Atlantic transfer had used up his eligibility before the Murray State game last week. Now, after checking NCAA rules again, they've changed their minds.