July 26, 2004

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Samford University football team has been picked third out of nine teams in the Ohio Valley Conference's preseason poll voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors. The poll was released at the conference's annual Football Media Day on Monday.

Samford, after finishing in a tie for third in the league last season, received 91 points to finish third in the voting. Eastern Kentucky was picked to win the conference with 121 points and 10 first-place votes. Defending conference champion Jacksonville State was picked second with 119 points and eight first-place votes. Samford was followed by Southeast Missouri State (73 pts.), Murray State (70 pts.), Tennessee State (67 pts.), Eastern Illinois (52 pts.), Tennessee Tech (36 pts.) and Tennessee-Martin (19 pts.).

The league also released its preseason All-Conference team. Samford's Ray Nelson was named the team's quarterback. Reigning OVC Offensive Player of the Year Efrem Hill (WR) and reigning OVC Defensive Player of the Year Cortland Finnegan (DB) were also named to the team from Samford. Finnegan was also named to the team as a kick returner. Hill was one of 12 unanimous selections to the squad.

Samford opens the 2004 season on Saturday, August 28, when the Bulldogs play host to West Alabama, at 6:00 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs' first OVC game is scheduled for September 25, when Samford plays at Southeast Missouri State, also at 6:00 p.m.