Southeast tries to even OVC record at Murray St.

Any way you look at things, it has so far been a very disappointing Southeast Missouri State University football season.

But coach Tim Billings knows things would improve in a hurry if Southeast (1-5, 1-2 Ohio Valley Conference) can beat Murray State (3-4, 2-2) today. The kickoff in Murray, Ky., is set for 1:30 p.m.

Murray State is arguably Southeast's biggest rival in all sports -- but Southeast has not beaten the Racers in football since 1992. MSU leads the all-time series 33-4-1 and has won the last 11 meetings.

"We're not happy with the season we've had so far, but a big thing around here is to beat Murray State," Billings said. "We haven't done it in a long time."

Billings, in fact, has never been part of a Southeast victory over MSU since taking over Southeast's program in 2000.

"We've accomplished a lot of things since I've been here but we haven't beaten them," he said.

Billings knows a lot of unusual things would have to happen for Southeast to climb back into the OVC race. MSU coach Joe Pannunzio feels the same about his squad.

"It looks like we're out of the conference race, but we just have to keep it together and try to beat SEMO," said Pannunzio, who like Billings also took over his current program in 2000. "They're a team, the last four years has taken us down to the wire and I don't see anything different this time."

Even though MSU has dominated the series with Southeast, recent games have indeed been tight, including last year's 27-24 comeback victory for the Racers at Houck Stadium. In 2002, MSU scored a late touchdown and slipped past visiting Southeast 38-31.

"Every year it comes down to the last series. It won't be any different this time," Pannunzio said. "Tim will have his team ready to play and we'll be ready."

What concerns Billings the most about the Racers is their three-prongued rushing attack that ranks second in the OVC with an average of 202.4 yards per game.

Chad Cook, more of a power runner, leads the way with 543 yards and six touchdowns. Speedsters Ron Lane and Nick Turner have gained 480 and 339 yards, respectively, while combining for eight touchdowns. All three are averaging at least 4.9 yards per carry.

"What scares me is they've got three great running backs," Billings said. "They're a good football team, but they're a lot better at home because they play on Astroturf. That gives them a big advantage with their speed on that turf.

"Lane and Turner have great speed, and Cook will run right over you. They have a really big, strong offensive line. They'll ram, ram, then they'll hit you with play action."

Pannunzio said first-year starting quarterback Adam Fisher, a junior college transfer, has been solid, although he has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes (78 of 148) for 829 yards, with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

"Like any first-year guy, he has his moments where he looks good, and he struggles at times," Pannunzio said.

Pannunzio said he expects MSU to be seriously challenged by Southeast's passing attack led by quarterback Andrew Goodenough, who has completed 63.4 percent (170 of 268) for 1,743 yards, with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. Four of the picks came last Saturday during a 38-13 home loss to Eastern Kentucky.