COLONELS EXPECTED TO PULL RANK AGAIN; EASTERN KENTUCKY HEAVY FAVORITE TO REPEAT AS CHAMPIONS

In Ohio Valley Conference football, it seems as if the rich just keep getting richer.

Eastern Kentucky, which captured its record 18th OVC football championship last year, enters the 1998 season as the consensus preseason pick to win another title.

In a recent poll of the league's head football coaches and sports information directors, the Colonels earned 13 of a possible 16 first-place votes.

One weakness that the Colonels were thought to have entering the new season was at quarterback, where all-OVC Simon Fuentes used up his eligibility last year.

But that weakness turned into a strength just a few days before the start of fall practice in early August. That's because, in late July, Jon Denton transferred in to Eastern Kentucky from Division I-A Nevada-Las Vegas.

All Denton, who will be a junior for the Colonels, did in two seasons at UNLV was pass for more than 6,000 yards and set numerous national records.

Denton reportedly had some run-ins with UNLV's coaches and was said to have been on shaky ground, so he decided to transfer to the I-AA level, where he is eligible to play immediately.

What it all means is that now it will be even tougher to knock the Colonels off their perch as the OVC's dominant team.

But other squads will try, led by Eastern Illinois and Murray State, who tied for second in the league last season and are being touted as Eastern Kentucky's primary challengers.

In the league's preseason poll, Eastern Illinois received one first-place vote and was picked to finish second while Murray State got the other two first-place votes and was tabbed for third.

Rounding out the predicted order of finish were Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State, Southeast Missouri State and Tennessee-Martin.

"It's great to be picked first but every Saturday you better be ready to play," said Eastern Kentucky coach Roy Kidd. "I think it's going to be a great year in the OVC. I think several teams can win it."

Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State tied for fourth a year ago, with Middle Tennessee sixth, Southeast Missouri seventh and Tennessee-Martin eighth.

"I think we're going to have an awfully strong league," said Middle Tennessee coach Boots Donnelly, whose squad will be making the big move up to the Division I-A level in 1999. "You have to go through Eastern Kentucky. It's Roy Kidd's show."

Southeast Missouri coach John Mumford echoed Donnelly's thoughts.

"It should be a great year in the OVC," Mumford said. "You have to go through Richmond (Ky.). On paper, they (Eastern Kentucky) should definitely be the favorite."

Following is a look at the OVC's teams, along with last year's overall and conference records, in the order they were picked to finish (Southeast Missouri is being previewed separately):

Eastern Kentucky

(8-4, 7-0 OVC)

The Colonels returned to familiar territory last year, winning their 18th OVC championship and advancing to the Division I-AA playoffs for the 11th time in the past 12 seasons.

Kidd enters his 35th season at the helm of the Colonels armed with 14 returning starters.

EKU's strength should be on offense, where nine starters are back from a unit that topped the OVC and was among the national leaders in rushing (198.3 ypg), scoring (35.5 ppg) and total offense (396.0 ypg).

The Colonels possess two of the league's top tailbacks in former Kentucky runner Derick Logan (781 yds., 11 TDs) and ex-Louisville player Corey Crume (672 yds., 12 TDs).

Denton has apparently solved EKU's quarterback problem and he'll throw to a bevy of talented receivers, led by first-team all-OVC Rondel Menendez (49 rec., 1,073 yds., 8 TDs).

EKU's offensive line returns intact, led by all-OVC standouts Josh Hunter and Tyrone Hopson.

Defensively, the Colonels return just four starters from a unit that allowed just 278.9 yards and a league-low 13.4 points per game. All-OVC tackles Justin Ernest (13.5 tackle for loss) and Jason Muchow (10.5 TFL) anchor the defense.

"I think we should be a good offensive football team but by biggest concern is defense," said Kidd. "I believe you win championships with defense and we've got a lot of work to do on defense."

Eastern Illinois

(8-3, 5-2 OVC)

The Panthers, who have had four straight winning seasons, will have to do some rebuilding in 1998 since they return just nine starters. But coach Bob Spoo's team is respected enough to still be picked right behind EKU.

Only four starters return offensively, but the Panthers are well stocked at the skill positions. Leading the way will be the tailback tandem of Justin Lynch (930 yds., 9 TDs) and Jabarey McDavid (760 yds., 5 TDs), who ranked second and sixth in OVC rushing.

The line lost several players and standout quarterback Mike Simpson must be replaced, with Jeb Odam and Anthony Buich battling for the position.

Four starters also return to an EIU defense that held opponents to just 282.9 yards per game. The strength is in the secondary, which all-OVC cornerback Chris Watson and Antwan Perry are the headliners.

"We have a lot holes to fill," said Spoo. "We lost a lot of people up front on both sides of the ball and quarterback is going to be a serious problem. How those positions develop will determine how competitive we'll be."

Murray State

(7-4, 5-2 OVC)

The Racers will be looking to continue their recent run of success in the OVC, which has featured two championships and a second-place finish over the past three seasons.

Second-year coach Denver Johnson welcomes back 13 starters, with the bulk of that experience coming on the defensive side of the ball.

Only three starters return on offense, including quarterback Dan Loyd (144 of 306, 1,915 yds., 14 TDs). But Oklahoma transfer Justin Fuente entered practice as the starter after being the Sooners' primary signal caller the past two seasons and throwing for more than 2,000 yards.

Wilbert Smith (684 yds.) steps into the tailback spot while Brandon Warfield (33 rec., 490 yds.) heads up the receivers. Only one starter is back up front.

Defensively, the Racers should again be formidable. They return eight starters from a group that ranked second nationally in total defense (237.5 ypg).

The defensive strength is up front, led by ends Marcus Stepp (8 sacks) and Kenneth Knotts (6 sacks) and tackle Jarrod Webb (5 sacks). Chris Vaughn is a standout at linebacker.

"I'll be surprised and disappointed if we're not a very good defensive team," Johnson said. "Offensively, we graduated most of our team. We won't know until we play how we've done at replacing the offense."

Middle Tennessee

(4-6, 2-5 OVC)

The Raiders, in their last year of playing OVC football, are coming off just their second losing season since 1980. Donnelly is hoping that 19 returning starters will lead to an MTSU resurgence.

Eight starters are back from an offense than ranked second in the league in scoring (29.2 ppg) and total offense (382.9 ypg).

MTSU's offensive strength is in the receiving corps, where all-OVC tight end Gary Davis (30 rec., 488 yds., 5 TDs) and wide outs Matt Lowe (39 rec., 534 yds.), Tri Heard (32 rec., 425 yds.) and Sulecio Sanford (27 rec., 407 yds.) were all ranked in the OVC's top 10 in either catches or receiving yards.

The entire offense line also returns and Kelverick Green (575 yds., 6 TDs) should keep the backfield in good shape.

A big question mark is at quarterback, where Judd Moore and Gabe Alaniz battle to replace Jonathan Quinn, who was a third-round NFL draft choice.

MTSU must improve a defense that returns 10 starters but allowed more than 400 yards per game.

"We had a hard time defensively last year but I expect us to be better," said Donnelly. "I think we'll be strong offensively but the key to our team is how we go from top to bottom defensively."

Tennessee Tech

(6-5, 4-3 OVC)

The Golden Eagles are coming off their best finish since 1993 and they could be even better this year as third-year coach Mike Hennigan returns 19 starters.

Nine starters are back on offense, including tailbacks Jerome Tillman (668 yds.) and Brent Billen (526 yds., 6 TDs). Four receivers who caught at least 15 passes return, led by Walter Hill (55 rec., 808 yds.), who set a school record for receptions.

The offensive line returns four starters and they'll be blocking for a new quarterback as Michael Peeples or Tony Racioppi try to replace multi-talented Andre Caballero.

Tech's defense was among the best in the OVC last year, allowing just 288.4 yards and 15.8 points per game. The unit's strength lies up front with end Branon Vaughn (20 TFL, 8 sacks) and tackle Eddie Arnell (12 TFL, 5 sacks) were both all-OVC picks.

"The strength of our team is on defense, especially with our defensive line," Hennigan said. "Quarterback is a big concern area because we are very inexperienced there."

Tennessee State

(4-7, 4-3 OVC)

Third-year coach L.C. Cole, who last year led the Tigers to their first winning record in league play since 1992, welcomes back 16 starters as he hopes to build on the momentum that saw TSU win three of its last four games in 1997.

Seven starters return on offense, including many of the key players from a passing attack that generated a league-high 265.2 yards per game.

Quarterback Leon Murray (144 of 272, 2,207 yds., 16 TDs) will again throw to a pair of big-play receivers in 1997 OVC co-offensive player of the year Tyrone Butterfield (59 rec., 1,053 yards, 7 TDs) and Corey Sullivan (24 rec., 488 yds.). The running game is led by Calvin Davenport (793 yds., 8 TDs).

The Tigers' defense, which gave up 375 yards and 30.1 points per game a year ago, is led by 1996 All-American end Lamar Carter, who missed half of last season with a knee injury, and linebacker Armand Williams.

"Last year I said we would compete for the (OVC) title and I'll say it again," said Cole. "I think our team is good enough to compete for the title."

Tennessee-Martin

(1-10, 0-7 OVC)

Jim Marshall suffered through a rough 1997 season in his first year as the Skyhawks' coach as he goes about the tall task of rebuilding his alma mater's football program.

But Marshall will be hoping for better things in his sophomore season as he welcomes back 15 starters.

The Skyhawks should be more productive offensively, with seven starters returning, including quarterback Brock Bailey (88 of 213, 961 yds., 6 TDs), who started most of last season as a true freshman.

Bailey will have quality receivers to throw to in Brian Webb (41 rec., 495 yds.) and Wesley Moore (16 rec., 214 yds.), who began last year as the starting quarterback. There is little experience in the backfield but three starters return on the line.

Six starters are back to a defensive unit that allowed a whopping 430 yards per game.

"Our first step is we have to get competitive and that's our big goal right now," said Marshall. "Our attitude has changed, so I feel like we'll be a lot more competitive."

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OVC NOTES: Entering the 1998 season, the OVC has had at least one team ranked in the I-AA top 25 poll for 223 straight weeks.

Eastern Kentucky finished 1997 ranked 15th while Eastern Illinois was 21st...

Middle Tennessee will play its 47th and final season of football as a member of the OVC this fall before moving to the I-A level in 1999. The Blue Raiders will continue to compete in the OVC in all other sports.

Western Kentucky, which played football in the OVC from 1948-81 and won eight league titles, will rejoin the OVC for football only beginning in 1999, keeping the conference at eight teams...

Several OVC teams will be taking on some big-time programs in the early season.

Eastern Kentucky plays at Kentucky Sept. 12 in what could be one of the season's top quarterback battles, pitting Denton against the Wildcats' sensational Tim Couch.

Murray State visits Brigham Young Sept. 26 while Middle Tennessee goes to Illinois Sept. 12.

OVC OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE

1998 OVC Preseason

Football Poll

Team (1st-place votes) points

1. Eastern Kentucky (13) 97

2. Eastern Illinois (1) 79

3. Murray State (2) 77

4. Middle Tennessee 54

5. Tennessee Tech 53

6. Tennessee State 46

7. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 26

8. Tennessee-Martin 16

(Poll of league head coaches and sports information directors)

1997 OVC FOOTBALL STANDINGS

Conference OverallTS7.5R,9.5R,12.5R,15.5R,17R,20RTeW L Pct. W L Pct.

Eastern Ky. 7 0 1.000 8 4 .667Eastern Ill. 5 2 .714 8 3 .727

Murray St. 5 2 .714 7 4 .636Tenn. Tech 4 3 .571 6 5 .545

Tenn. St. 4 3 .571 4 7 .364Middle Tenn. 2 5 .286 4 6 .400

SE MISSOURI 1 6 .143 4 7 .364Tenn.-Martin 0 7 .000 1 10 .091

1998 OVC Football Schedule

Sept. 3

Truman St. at SE MISSOURI, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph's (Ind.) at Eastern Ill., 6 p.m.

Kentucky Wesleyan at Tenn. Tech, 7 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin at Western Ky., 7 p.m.

Sept. 5

Kentucky St. at Eastern Ky., 6 p.m.

Tenn. St. at Middle Tenn., 6 p.m.

So. Illinois at Murray St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12

Indiana St. at SE MISSOURI, 7 p.m.

Eastern Ky. at Kentucky, 12:30 p.m.

Middle Tenn. at Illinois, 6 p.m.

Eastern Ill. at Central Fla., 5 p.m.

Western Ky. at Murray St., 7 p.m.

Tenn. St. vs. Jackson St. (at Memphis), 7 p.m.

So. Illinois at Tenn.-Martin, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19

Middle Tenn. at Jacksonville St., 2 p.m.

Eastern Ky. at Western Ky., 6 p.m.

Tenn. Tech at Ala.-Birmingham, 6 p.m.

Eastern Ill. at Northern Ill., 6:35 p.m.

Murray St. at SE MISSOURI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26

Tenn.-Martin at SE MISSOURI, 6 p.m.

Murray St. at Brigham Young, 12:05 p.m.

Tenn. Tech at Eastern Ill., 1:30 p.m.

Tenn. St. vs. Florida A&M (at Atlanta), 3 p.m.

Eastern Ky. at Middle Tenn., 6 p.m.

Oct. 3

SE MISSOURI at Eastern Ill., 1:30 p.m.

Alabama A&M at Tenn. St., 1:30 p.m.

Middle Tenn. at Tenn. Tech, 2 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin at Murray St., 3 p.m.

Oct. 10

SE MISSOURI at Tenn. Tech, 1 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin at Samford, 1:30 p.m.

Murray St. at Middle Tenn., 6 p.m.

Tenn. St. at Eastern Ky., 6 p.m.

Oct. 17

Tenn. St. at SE MISSOURI, 1 p.m.

Murray St. at Eastern Ky., 11:30 a.m.

Tenn. Tech at Tenn.-Martin, 1 p.m.

Illinois St. at Eastern Ill., 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 24

SE MISSOURI at SW Missouri, 1:30 p.m.

Eastern Ky. at Tenn. Tech, 11:30 a.m.

Eastern Ill. at Middle Tenn., 6 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin at Tenn. St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 31

Middle Tenn. at SE MISSOURI, 1 p.m.

Tenn. St. at Eastern Ill., 1:30 p.m.

Eastern Ky. at Tenn.-Martin, 2 p.m.

Tenn. Tech at Murray St., 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 7

SE MISSOURI at Eastern Ky., 12:30 p.m.

Middle Tenn. at Tenn.-Martin, 1 p.m.

Murray St. at Eastern Ill., 1:30 p.m.

Tenn. St. at Tenn. Tech, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14

SE MISSOURI at So. Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Appalachian St. at Eastern Ky., 12:30 p.m.

Eastern Ill. at Tenn.-Martin, 1 p.m.

Middle Tenn. at Ala.-Birmingham, 1 p.m.

W. Carolina at Tenn. Tech, 1 p.m.

Tenn. St. at Murray St., 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 21

Eastern Ill. at Eastern Ky., 12:30 p.m.

Samford at Tenn. Tech, 1 p.m.

Texas Southern at Tenn. St., 1 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin at Ala.-Birmingham, 1 p.m.

Murray St. at Indiana. St., 1:30 p.m.