Indians look for 2-0 OVC start

It's hard to gauge which team has the emotional edge entering today's Ohio Valley Conference football game between Southeast Missouri State University and Eastern Illinois.

That's because the Indians and Panthers are both coming off dramatic wins that marked their first victories of the season.

"It was a big lift for us, getting that first win and the way we did it," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "But they're in the same boat as us. They also got a big first win."

While the Indians (1-3) were outlasting visiting Samford 51-48 in four overtimes during their OVC opener last Saturday, the Panthers (1-2) upset Division I-A Eastern Michigan 31-28. Today's 1:30 p.m. kickoff in Charleston, Ill., will mark EIU's first OVC game.

"I think both teams will be in good shape mentally after winning those games," EIU coach Bob Spoo said.

After EIU won two straight OVC titles and made three consecutive Division I-AA playoff appearances, last season left a bad taste in Spoo's mouth as the Panthers struggled to a 4-8 record, including a 3-5 OVC mark.

While EIU has won just one of three games so far this year, Spoo says he has a much better feeling about his young squad that starts 12 sophomores, one freshman and just four seniors.

"Without a doubt. There's no question," Spoo said. "I don't think we had the leadership last year. We had some big-name guys, but that doesn't mean anything."

Spoo believes the Panthers have been playing considerably better than their one-win status indicates, which Billings strongly agrees with.

EIU held double-figure leads in the fourth quarter of both its first two games before falling to Indiana State 33-30 in overtime and Illinois State 35-31. The Panthers finally broke through at Eastern Michigan despite trailing 14-0 early in the contest.

"I think we've played well in three games, even though we just have one win to show for it," Spoo said. "Against Eastern Michigan, we were finally able to finish where in the first couple of games we were not able to."

Said Billings, "They could easily be 3-0. They've got a really good football team."

Billings has been particularly impressed by EIU senior quarterback Matt Schabert, a Wisconsin transfer who made his first start for the Panthers against Eastern Michigan after coming off the bench and nearly sparking a win over Illinois State.

In limited action at Wisconsin last year, Schabert passed for 444 yards, and he threw the touchdown pass that gave the Badgers a 17-10 victory over Ohio State that snapped the defending national champion Buckeyes' 19-game winning streak.

But after being told last spring that several Wisconsin quarterbacks had moved ahead of him, Schabert decided to transfer.

Against Eastern Michigan, Schabert completed 13 of 22 passes for 199 yards with two touchdowns, and he also rushed for 50 yards. Against Illinois State, Schabert threw for 225 yards.

Sophomore wide out Ryan Voss has been Schabert's favorite target with 13 receptions and a 20.8-yard average. The Panthers also have a solid running game led by sophomore Vincent Webb, who has gained 283 yards.

"A big key for them is when they put Schabert at quarterback. Since he's been in there, Eastern Illinois has played really well," Billings said. "He reminds me a lot of Andrew. He's heady and doesn't make mistakes. He gives them a chance to win.

"I'm really impressed with their offensive line. They're young, but they're one of the best offensive lines I've seen."

Southeast senior quarterback Andrew Goodenough is off to a strong start as he leads the OVC in passing with 1,077 yards while completing 63.6 percent (103 of 162), with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

All-American senior tight end Ray Goodson leads the Indians and ranks third in the OVC with 26 receptions while tailback David Taufoou has rushed for 222 yards.

"They're awfully good," Spoo said of the Indians. "We expect a heck of a football game."

While offense has not been a problem for the Indians the past two weeks -- they have gained nearly 900 yards and put up 78 points during that time -- an injury-riddled defense is statistically the nation's worst, allowing an average of 536 yards per game. Southeast is giving up 45.8 points a contest.

"I think we can be a good defense, but it's important we get everybody healthy," Billings said.

The Indians don't figure to be healthy today, with starting defensive backs Anthony Lumpkin (shoulder) and Marco Tipton (hamstring) doubtful, and a host of other defenders banged up but likely to see action.

Considering that the Panthers allow 388 yards and 32 points per game -- while averaging nearly 31 points themselves -- Billings said it wouldn't surprise him to see another shootout today.

"It will be a really tough game for us and it could be another offensive shootout," he said. "But really, I don't care what kind of game it is as long as we come away with more points than them."