Friday news

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

Austin Peay State may not have a lot to celebrate at 3-7, but entering Saturday's contest against Western Kentucky they can at least take pride in putting a I-AA top-10 running back on the field, according to the (Clarksville, Tenn.) Leaf Chronicle. Junior Chris Fletcher has 1,297 yards on the season, and at 129.7 yards, is seventh nationally in the per-game average.

Eastern Illinois apaprently is feeling confident headed into the weekend. According to the (Charleston, Ill.) Journal Gazette/Times-Courier, EIU will host a playoff selection show party Sunday at 11:45 a.m. in the lobby of the EIU Fitness Center. Fans are welcome.

The (Nashville) Tennessean says sophomore defensive tackle Maurice Davis saw the light last week in Tennessee State's game against Southeast Missouri State - he really can be an outstanding football player. His realization might have had something to do with the three sacks he recorded in the game.

The Nashville City Paper says the odds are stacked against TSU heading into Saturday's game against Eastern Kentucky. But the fact that there are even any odds to stack is something Tigers fans can smile about. Going from a 2-9 2005 season to 6-4 (5-1 in conference) and playing for a shot at the playoffs - however desperate - is an accomplishment, the paper notes.

The (Cookeville. Tenn.) Herald-Citizen's Buddy Pearson takes his turn expressing awe at the tight race for the OVC title. Here's a link to the HC sports section.