RICHMOND, Ky.--Austin Peay will attempt to record its season's first win against a team that has not been kind to the Governors over the years.
The Govs will travel to Richmond, Ky., 2 p.m., (CDT), Saturday to play Eastern Kentucky, a team APSU has not defeated since the 1977 season--the year the Governors won the Ohio Valley Conference crown. APSU, in fact, has lost 21 straight to Eastern Kentucky, the fourth longest active losing streak in a series at the FCS/FBS divisions. EKU leads the all-time series, 37-3.
And the Colonels are the OVC's defending champions, going 8-0 in the league a year ago en route to a 9-3 season. However, EKU is off to a 1-3 start this season, including an OVC-opening 34-20 road loss at Tennessee State, last Saturday.
Historically, Eastern Kentucky has been the OVC's top program, having enjoyed a winning season 30 straight seasons. In fact, Dean Hood is only the third head coach the program has had in the last 44 seasons.
The Colonels are led by 2007 OVC Offensive Player of the Year, Allan Holland, who passes for 1990 yards and 14 TDs a year ago.
Defensively, they are led by end Chris Coy, who topped the OVC in sacks a year ago, and safety Brandon Gathof, a first-team All-OVC pick in 2007.
The Governors, meanwhile, will head to Richmond at 0-4 (0-1 OVC) with a new quarterback at the helm. Starter Gary Orr suffered thorn ligaments in his right thumb last week and underwent surgery, Wednesday.
As a result, transfer T.C. Jennings will take Orr's spot at quarterback. He played most of the second half against UT Martin, leading the offense to its only touchdown.
Defensively, the Governors linebacker corps again is expected to lead the way. Outside linebacker Daniel Swenson had a team-best 11 tackles, including a sack, against UT Martin, while inside linebacker Daniel Becker had nine stops.
Cornerback Kevis Buckley, who had two interceptions a year ago, now has four for the season, ranking him tied for second in the FCS.
-AP-
