COACH MUST STAY POSITIVE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

Summary:

SEMO football team looks to bounce back vs. Tech.

Last Saturday's Eastern Illinois game proved to be a mix of improved offensive line play, untimely penalties and a solid performance by our defense and kicking game.

One may ask how can the coach find anything positive with our offensive performance and after a 32-7 Southeast loss? With six games remaining, he has to and only a coach would know why and how to.

Obviously, we are struggling offensively and have not had the consistent and desired results. We are improving weekly up front as evidenced by only two minus yardage plays in the Eastern game. Previously, we had several minus yardage plays averaging about 50 yards lost per game.

Our running backs continue to improve their blocking and show the ability to break long runs. Our pass protection was very adequate against Eastern. We must pull our passing game together with our quarterback and receivers if we continue to see eight and nine man fronts.

Based on the offensive line improvement and a group of hard-working running backs, we have shown improvement and will continue to build on the positives.

Of course, we would prefer to mix up run-pass plays on first down. However, poor field position at times and game plan dictate being conservative.

We have the ninth-best punting team in the nation and a great defense. We choose at times by field position and other factors to minimize risking sacks or minus yardage plays. Second-and-seven is a lot better than second-and-14 when you're inside your own 30.

Like it or not, that is the way we've played it and the reasons why.

Offensively, K.D. Koleosho, Aaron Layne, Britt Mirgaux and Corey Williams continue to run hard. Chris Kiefer and James Williams graded out over 85 percent in the offensive line, which is excellent.

Justin Terrill averaged 48 yards per punt and Nick Reggio gave us great field position in the kickoff game. Our kickoff return team with Andrew Joyce remains a threat.

Angel Rubio, Zuri Buchanan, Troy Baglio, Mike Reece and Ronnie Smith, who intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble for a touchdown, all had great games for our defense.

This week's preparation for Saturday's game against Tennessee Tech is critical. They have an excellent defense and a pesky offense. We must consistently move the chains offensively and the scores will come. Defensively, we must contain a very active quarterback. They are last in the league in net punting, so we should have a decided edge in the kicking game.

It is Homecoming and we hope to have another great crowd as we did for Parents Day against Eastern.

Many thanks must go to Jane Stacy and her staff, who organized a pre-game luncheon for our football parents. We had 81 percent of our parents and families attend, which numbered 236 people.

Homecoming is an important weekend at Southeast and we expect another great crowd. More importantly to our players, this game represents the opportunity to even our record going into a bye week. We will play a great game against Tech and we always are appreciative of your support.

John Mumford is the head football coach at Southeast Missouri State University