BRUNE TURNS IN A STELLAR PERFORMANCE IN COMEBACK (SEMO NOTES)

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Bobby Brune found it hard to find too much satisfaction in his scintillating second-half performance Saturday that very nearly led Southeast Missouri State University's football Indians to one of their biggest wins ever.

Brune was nothing short of brilliant over the final two quarters as he rallied the Indians to a 33-32 lead in the closing moments.

But Eastern Illinois was able to pull out a 35-33 victory.

A redshirt freshman out of Cape Girardeau Central High, Brune played the entire second half and completed 12 of 18 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 80 yards on just eight attempts to lead all Southeast ball carriers.

"It hurts pretty bad right now because we had such a great comeback and I thought we had it at the end," said Brune. "It's hard to be too satisfied because we lost and that's the main thing.

"But I was pretty pleased with the way I played. I've been waiting for my chance."

After redshirting last season, Brune has seen a decent bit of action in the past several games this year -- completing six of nine passes for 79 yards -- but Saturday marked by far his most extensive playing time.

"Bobby was huge," said Southeast head coach John Mumford. "He made one play after another. He really committed himself in the offseason and summer and it shows."

Kevin Seto, who has started the past few games, played the entire first half Saturday. He completed seven of 12 passes for 69 yards, with one interception.

Mumford did not say who his starter would be for next Saturday's game at Tennessee Tech, but it's likely that Brune will receive strong consideration for the job.

* Despite Southeast's top two running backs being on the sidelines in street clothes, the Indians managed to rush for 179 yards against one of the Ohio Valley Conference's top defenses.

Tailback Corey Williams, who suffered a dislocated elbow last week, and fullback Britt Mirgaux, who injured a knee in the season opener, were relegated to cheerleader status Saturday.

Brune did much of the Indians' damage on the ground with his 80 yards.

K.D. Koleosho, a speedy tailback, added 54 yards on 14 attempts and he scored two touchdowns.

* Corey Chester led Southeast's receivers with five catches for 76 yards.

Leslie Weaver caught four passes for 83 yards while Dante Bryant had four receptions for 47 yards. Tight end Mitch Fryer added three catches for 50 yards.

* Even though Southeast's defense allowed 431 yards, the Indians' defense stiffened after EIU had already scored 29 points by early in the second quarter.

The Indians' defense being able to control the Panthers for most of the second half was a major part of the big rally that saw Southeast come back from a 32-13 deficit with under 10 minutes to play.

* Unofficial press box statistics had linebacker Kevin Meachem with nine tackles, including three for losses and a quarterback sack.

Safety Isaac Powell was also credited with nine tackles.