Indians turn focus to ending Racers' long spell

Southeast has lost to Murray State 11 consecutive years.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missouri State University is mathematically still very much in contention for the Ohio Valley Conference championship.

But coach Tim Billings said Monday that's the last thing on his mind as the struggling Indians prepare for Saturday's game at Murray State.

"Right now, the last thing to worry about is what's going on in the OVC race. We have no control over that," Billings said. "Let's just go out and play, and see if we can play offense, defense and special teams all on the same day.

"Let's concentrate on beating Murray State. We've accomplished a lot of things since I've been here but we haven't beaten them. Maybe we can beat them once every 12 years."

The Indians (1-5 overall, 1-2 OVC) have lost to the Racers (3-4, 2-2) 11 straight times, with Southeast's last win over Murray State coming in 1992. The Racers lead the all-time series 33-4-1.

Southeast is in seventh place among nine OVC teams, trailing Jacksonville State (4-0), Eastern Kentucky (3-1), Eastern Illinois (2-1), Tennessee Tech (1-1), Tennessee State (1-1) and Murray State (2-2). The Indians have already lost to Eastern Kentucky and Eastern Illinois but have not played the other squads ahead of them.

Saturday's 38-13 home defeat at the hands of Eastern Kentucky was still being lamented by Billings on Monday.

For the first time all year, the Indians outgained an opponent in total yardage. And Southeast's defense had by far its top performance of the season, allowing 372 yards after it had given up no less than 498 yards in any previous game.

But five turnovers -- two of which were returned for touchdowns -- and a blocked punt that led to a 13-yard touchdown drive did in Southeast.

"We had a lot of opportunities, a lot of missed opportunities," Billings said. "We outplayed them. We let one get away against a good football team."

Quarterback Andrew Goodenough set single-game school records for completions and attempts as he was 33 of 57 for 339 yards, but he was intercepted four times -- one being returned for a touchdown -- and also lost the fumble that was returned for a score.

"Andrew didn't have a good night at all," Billings said. "I think he got rattled a little bit."

But Billings was encouraged by the performance of a defense that still ranks last nationally among 117 Division I-AA teams by allowing an average of 521.3 yards per game.

Billings believes the open date that allowed the defense to get healthier than it's been in a while and moving linebacker O.J. Turner from the outside to the middle both made a big difference.

"That's the best we've played defensively, and O.J. made a lot of plays," Billings said. "If we can keep playing that way on defense, I think we'll have an opportunity to win some football games."

Injury woes hit offense

Southeast's defense has been hit hard by injuries virtually all season, but the offense had been able to stay relatively injury free until recently.

The offensive line was particularly crippled against Eastern Kentucky.

All-conference tackle Dan Connolly, who came down with a leg infection during the open week, started Saturday but played barely a quarter before having to come out. He did not return and is questionable this week.

Guard Austin Russell, bothered by shoulder and ankle problems, also didn't play much while center John Ball played despite being banged up. Russell is also questionable for Murray State.

Southeast had to shuffle its line Saturday, moving all-conference guard Dan Bieg to tackle and Ball to guard. Walk-on Dave Minner was forced to play at center and true freshman Francisco Perez, expected to be redshirted this year, went in at guard.

"The offense experienced what the defense has gone through all year," said Billings, noting that tackle Caleb Daniel was the only normal offensive line starter at his usual position.

But one offensive player who had been injured showed no ill effects from having arthroscopic knee surgery less than two weeks before the Eastern Kentucky game. All-American tight end Ray Goodson caught eight passes, raising his season total to 40. He is third in the OVC and 16th nationally in receptions per game.

Goodenough, who has thrown for 1,743 yards, leads the OVC in passing yards per game. He is second in the league and 10th nationally in total offense with 286.3 yards per game, and he is second nationally in completions per game with 28.3.

T.J. Milcic, who has emerged as Southeast's top threat at wide receiver, is second on the team with 26 catches. He ranks fourth in the OVC in receptions per game.

Punter David Simonhoff continues to lead the OVC and rank second nationally with a 45.7-yard average.

Derek Kutz is the league's most accurate kicker, having made seven of eight field goals. His only miss came Saturday as a 19-yard attempt was blocked.