Billings - QB spot back up for grabs after loss to Murray

Southeast Missouri State University coach Tim Billings said Monday that Jack Tomco is not certain to be the Indians' starting quarterback Saturday at Tennessee-Martin.

Billings was not pleased with Tomco's performance during Saturday night's 27-24 home loss to Murray State, and he replaced Tomco late in the game with Andrew Goodenough after the Indians fell behind.

Billings said Tomco and Goodenough would compete this week in practice to see who gets the nod Saturday when the Indians (2-6, 2-2 Ohio Valley Conference) visit last-place Tennessee-Martin (2-7, 1-4).

"We're still evaluating that," Billings said. "Jack had been playing well, but he did not play well Saturday. We'll work him and Andrew this week and see how that goes."

Tomco completed nine of 22 passes for 126 yards against Murray State. After a slow start this season, he came on strong to pass for 867 yards with four touchdowns and just one interception in the three games prior to Murray State.

For the season, Tomco -- who last year set nine school passing records when he threw for more than 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns -- has passed for 1,434 yards while completing 56.4 percent (114 of 202) with four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Goodenough has seen limited action this year and completed 10 of 19 passes (52.6 percent) for 88 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jeromy McDowell, the starter two years ago who split time with Tomco early in the season, has missed several games with a shoulder injury and he remains out for Tennessee-Martin.

"The quarterback playing well is such a big key to our offense," Billings said. "I was disappointed with our execution on offense" against Murray State.

Noteworthy

Freshman David Simonhoff, the OVC's leading punter, missed Saturday's game and is questionable for Tennessee-Martin after he suffered a fractured tibia a few weeks ago. The injury was discovered last week.

Tailback David Taufoou, who has missed several games with a knee injury, is probable this week.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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