Thu Aug 28 11:32:51 2008

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Around FCS: Figuring Out The Perrilloux Factor In OVC

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Philadelphia (Sports Network) - The landscape in the Ohio Valley Conference changed the day that LSU transfer Ryan Perrilloux visited the Jacksonville State campus last spring.

The day before, JSU was a team without an experienced quarterback. But once Perrilloux signed on the dotted line, the Gamecocks became a source of controversy.

Whether teams agreed with the decision of JSU coach Jack Crowe to bring in a player dropped by the defending BCS champion or not, the entire OVC will be forced to deal with this talented player's impact this fall.

In an already competitive league, Perrilloux's decision lifts Jacksonville State into contention along with Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee State and possible dark-horses Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay, Murray State or Southeast Missouri State.

In a conference noted for its wacky finishes in the past, this race could prove to be a memorable one.

1. Eastern Illinois (8-4 overall, 7-1 in conference, second)

The Bob Spoo-coached Panthers have been a fixture in the FCS playoffs, with three straight postseason appearances, and won conference titles in 2005-06.

EIU lost two great offensive playmakers, running back Ademola Adeniji and receiver Micah Rucker, to graduation, but the Panthers have a developing quarterback returning in Bodie Reeder and have added a game-breaking tailback in Florida transfer Chevron Walker.

There is plenty of depth behind the speedy Walker, too, with Norris Smith (656 yards, 4.9 average, 2006) returning from injury and Travorus Bess (612 yards. 5.8 average) back. The Panthers will look for Alicus Nozinor (37 catches) and Jason Fisher (23 catches) to make up for Rucker's huge loss.

The EIU defense has slid a little bit over the past couple of years and gave up 26.3 points per game last year, but defensive end Pierre Walters (47 tackles, three sacks) could help lead a resurgence this season.

The Panthers have three starters back in the secondary, Rashad Haynes, Adrian Arrington and Ke'Andre Sims, along with former starter Seymour Loftman returning from an injury that cost him the 2006 season. Buchanan Award finalist Donald Thomas has graduated, so Jack Kosinski, James Larson and Alain Marcelin will have to step it up at linebacker.

2. Eastern Kentucky (9-3, 8-0, first)

The Colonels had been expected to push through to an OVC title for several years, and finally did last year in Danny Hope's final season as coach. Hope has moved on to become the next head coach at Purdue (when Joe Tiller retires after this season), and Dean Hood has moved from defensive coordinator duties at Wake Forest to become the new EKU coach.

Allan Holland came in at quarterback and made ball security a priority. Holland passed for 1,990 yards in a run-first attack and fired 14 TD passes to just four interceptions. Bobby Washington and Mark Dunn combined for 1,711 yards and 21 TDs, but both have graduated. C.J. Walker and Aaron Bradley, two backs with plenty of potential, will replace them.

Garnett Phelps (16 catches, 17.8 average) is a potential big-play receiver, but EKU will find it hard to replace Kyle Barber (42 catches) and Quinton Williams (38 catches, 16.6 average, eight TDs). The Colonels have a generally solid offensive line, but must replace three starters this year.

EKU should retain its typical toughness on defense, despite returning only four starters. Among those back are defensive end Chris Coy (51 tackles, eight sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss) and All-American safety Brandon Gathof (91 tackles, five interceptions). The Colonels will feel the loss of NFL draft choice Antwaun Molden and Derrick Huff in the secondary.

3. Tennessee State (5-6, 4-3, fifth)

There is no doubt that the Tigers are one of the most talented offensive teams in the OVC with the likes of tailback Javarris Williams (1,187 yards, 12 TDs, 6.1 average), quarterback Antonio Heffner (1,823 yards of total offense, 13 combined TDs), receiver Chris Johnson (41 catches, 18.0 average) and offensive linemen Cornelius Lewis and Cecil Newton. But TSU must avoid injuries that have taxed the team's depth in recent years.

The Tigers averaged 30 points per game, but were scorched for 33 points per game on defense, even with NFL first-round draft choice Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie in the secondary.

Remone Willis (84 tackles) and Kelvin Baker (79 tackles) will patrol the middle, while Maurice Royster returns from injury to take a spot at defensive end. Maquez Hall, Larry Williford, Anthony Levine and Reno Thompson will try to make up for the loss of Rodgers-Cromartie.

4. Jacksonville State (6-5, 5-3, tied for third)

Perrilloux has grabbed most of the attention this summer, but the Gamecocks will need some improvement in the running game to complement this strong-armed quarterback. Freshmen Marques Ivory and Casey Weston could get significant playing time, with Daniel Jackson (509 yards, 3.9 average) as the best returning back.

JSU lost receiver Taureen Rhetta to the pro ranks and Derrick Harris as well, so the receiving group will need to improve rapidly. With three starters returning on the offensive line and some additional JC transfers, the Gamecocks should be solid up front.

The defense was ranked 44th nationally and gave up 23.4 points per game. With six starters back, JSU has the most experience returning that it has had in several years.

Linebackers Alexander Henderson (51 tackles) and Marquise Elston (42 tackles) are two key returners, as are safeties Carnell Clark (46 tackles, seven pass breakups) and Kenny Walker (39 tackles).

Defensive ends Duane Tolbert and Brett Gloyd will make a difference on the line, along with Mississippi State transfer Jamison Wadley at defensive tackle. Punter Zach Walden (42.5 average) and kicker Gavin Hallford (22-of-29 on field goals) are additional weapons.

5. Tennessee-Martin (4-7, 4-4, sixth)

The Skyhawks were picked by many to win the league championship last year after earning a playoff berth the year before, but injuries and poor defensive play ruined their season.

UTM must replace Donald Chapman, a four-time 1,000-yard rusher, from an offense that averaged 33.4 points per game. But the Skyhawks have quarterbacks Cade Thompson and Dexter Anoka, who combined for 2,433 yards passing.

Senior Trace McDermott (289 yards, 6.9 average) will be asked to replace Chapman, while Jamaal Akbar (31 catches, 15.6 average) and Roren Thomas (39 catches, 14.2 average, six TDs) will return to give those quarterbacks two dangerous targets. Three offensive line starters also return.

With eight defensive players returning, the Skyhawks could be vastly improved this season. A healthy Ray Williams, who played most of the season with a cast on one arm, should make a major difference with the defense as a tackle on what could be a strong line. Craig Worthen had 51 tackles and five tackles for loss from his defensive end position.

Adrian Pruitt (62 tackles) should lead from his linebacker position, while Dontrell Miller (71 tackles) is expected to be a force again at rover.

Last year, UTM dropped four games by a total of 15 points. If the Skyhawks can win the close contests this season, they can improve dramatically in the standings.

6. Tennessee Tech (4-7, 2-6, tied for seventh)

For the past three years, the Golden Eagles have been the model of consistency with three consecutive 4-7 seasons. But this could be the year when Tennessee Tech breaks through the four-win barrier, and it could even be the year it posts its first winning season since 2004.

Quarterback Lee Sweeney has had a big hand in improving the Golden Eagles on offense. Tech averaged 30 points per game with Sweeney throwing for 1,453 yards and 10 TDs despite a mid-season injury that forced him to miss three games. As a freshman, Sweeney piled up 2,292 yards, so you have to think a healthy QB will rise above those figures as a junior.

The loss of All-American kick returner Larry Shipp (28.6 yards per return) will hurt both on special teams and in the passing game. Shipp caught a team- high 53 passes for a 17.0 average and 10 TDs. Tech also saw Derek White graduate after a season where he rushed for 1,187 yards and 10 TDs. Henry Sailes (207 yards, 10.9 average) will replace White, while Sweeney will be looking for a new go-to receiver. One of the reasons for optimism is a big, powerful offensive line that returns four players, Scott Eller, Derrick Outlaw, Calvin Smith and Peter Taylor.

The Golden Eagles regressed on defense, giving up an average of 32 points per game to rank 88th nationally, even with eight starters back. Six starters return this year as the team changed defensive coordinators and moved to a 3-4 formation. Brendon Fisher, Bradley Thompson and Martini Hillard should solidify the defensive front, while strong safety Maurice Smith (102 tackles) and linebacker Jake Kiser (59 tackles) are others to watch for.

7. Austin Peay (7-4, 5-3, tied for third)

The Governors had a rather stunning return to the OVC last year, riding the legs of Chris Fletcher and the ability to win close games to a four-game improvement over 2006 after being picked to finish last in league. Fletcher rushed for 1,343 yards and 14 TDs, but has graduated.

Theo Townsend and Terrence Holt are being asked to shoulder the rushing load this year. Holt was one of the OVC's top newcomers last year as a kick returner, while Townsend played sparingly last year.

Gary Orr split time with Mark Cunningham at quarterback and passed for 735 yards, but he must improve on a two-TD, five-interception ratio. Lanis Frederick (33 catches, 16.7 average) and Adrian Mines (30 catches, 14.3 average) are the top receivers, while tight end Jon Sanders and linemen Cage Major and Travis Dumke are also returning starters.

Austin Peay averaged 25 points per game, but allowed 24.8, a scant difference for a winning team. All 11 defensive starters return, including linebacker Kit Hartsfield (88 tackles) and free safety Tremayne Townsend, the brother of Theo Townsend.

8. Murray State (2-9, 1-7, ninth)

Matt Griffin got the Tennessee-Martin program on solid footing and is now trying to do the same in his third year at Murray State. The Racers, who were somewhat snake-bitten last season, have won only three games in the past two years.

Quarterback Jeff Ehrhardt was the OVC freshman of the year after passing for 2,567 yards and 21 TDs and should cut down on the 12 interceptions he threw last season. He also rushed for 375 yards and five TDs.

Charlie Jordan is back at running back after running for 601 yards last season. Ehrhardt lost his favorite receiver, Rod Harper (57 catches, 13.7 average, 10 TDs), but has his next six leading pass catchers back, including tight end DeAngelo Nelson (34 catches, 13.3 average). Four starters on the offensive line are also returning.

While the 26.5 points per game the offense logged were a good start, the 40.7 points allowed per game were good for 113th place nationally.

There are 12 players who started at different times last year coming back, including Nathan Williams, a linebacker who injured his knee in the first game of the season and was granted a sixth year of eligibility. Taylor Lanigan returns at free safety after missing half of the season with an arm injury. Linebacker Tamar Butler is top returning tackler (78 tackles).

9. Southeast Missouri State (3-8, 1-6, eighth)

The Redhawks are looking for improvement with 17 starters returning from a struggling program that has had 12 losing seasons in the past 13 years.

Houston Lillard hopes to improve as a senior passer after throwing for 1,350 yards and 10 TDs last season. He has his top receiver back in Miles Edwards (34 catches, 14.1 average, seven TDs), while leading rusher Timmy Holloman (655 yards, six TDs, 5.7 average) also returns. Four starters from the offensive line provide stability up front.

Nick Ketelsleger had four sacks from his defensive tackle position last year. Linebacker Jared Goodson had 98 tackles and cornerback Eddie Calvin broke up 16 passes to go with two interceptions.