Sept. 21, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team worked out for about two hours Wednesday afternoon in preparation for Saturday's OVC-opener at Eastern Illinois.

"We just have to make sure we have a good scheme and a good plan on both sides of the ball," Samford head coach Bill Gray said. "You are supposed to look a little better on Wednesdays, and in some instances we did. We are working for a purpose, and we have reason to be excited about this first conference game."

Gray said he was impressed with what he has seen of Eastern Illinois.

"They have an established coach, and they are big up front on offense," Gray said. "They return a lot of their starters on the offensive line. They are trying to establish a running game because of inexperienced play at quarterback. They are not going to ask their quarterback to do a lot, but they are well-balanced in what they do.

"Defensively, I have been impressed by the play of their linebackers," Gray said. "Their front four play hard, and they have some guys in the secondary that can cover, so they are a solid football team.

"Like us, they have played some tough competition in their first three games," Gray said. "They do some things on special teams that are a little unique, and we have to make sure we are sound in what we are doing to counter that. It will be a big challenge for us."

The Bulldogs will practice again on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. Saturday's game at Eastern Illinois is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff from Charleston, Ill. The game can be heard locally on WVSU-FM 91.1, or worldwide on the internet at www.samfordsports.com or www.al.com/wvsu.