COACH'S CORNER: DESPITE LOSS, COACH PROUD OF EFFORT VS. E. KENTUCKY

After watching the video of our 20-10 loss to Eastern Kentucky Saturday, I can't tell you how proud I am of the effort our players gave.

Make no mistake, we play to win. Against a team like the Colonels, there is little room for error. We made fewer errors than in previous games. However, a dropped punt and a penalty helped EKU scored 10 points.

Still, errors are always a part of a football game and their cost depends on the score, field position and a team's ability to either take advantage or overcome. The two plays aren't the only situations that hurt us. We did miss "opportunities" that were potential difference-makers.

We had a combination of both outstanding team and individual efforts Saturday. Our players did a tremendous job of preparing themselves to pull an upset and played against their people, not their tradition. Coach (Steve) Schottel and coach (Charles) Sabbatini and their staffs put together solid game plans.

We had a decisive edge statistically at halftime, even though the score was 10-10. Again, we gave EKU the opportunity for those 10 points.

In the second half, even though EKU held the edge statistically, we were in a position to stop them or score more. I believe our players handled the poor field conditions better than the Colonels and maintained their focus on the task at hand.

Defensively, Ronnie Smith, Angel Rubio, Troy Baglio, Marcus McClellan, Curtis Holman and Kevin Meachem all had good performances. Our front pressured the EKU quarterback on several occasions and contained him as he has hurt other teams with his running ability. Our secondary did a good job of containing their wide receivers, who have in previous games proved to be very explosive.

Offensively, our line continued to improve against a very good EKU front seven. We didn't win every battle -- nobody does -- but our linemen battled their tails off. Playing in the line is about having good foot technique and having a nasty attitude. Ian Walters had his best game of the year. Dan Clauss came off the bench and played a good game.

Fullback Britt Mirgaux continues to run extremely hard. We need more production out of our tailbacks, who made good runs. We need more. Dante Bryant caught a touchdown pass that was well over his head. Leslie Weaver made a couple nice catches and got us rolling early on a flea-flicker on the first play of the game.

Our punt team did a great job containing EKU's returns. We kicked a field goal that was partially blocked but went through. EKU did block a field goal late on a low kick. Points are a precious commodity and we need to finish out our drives in the end zone.

The SIU Salukis come to town this Saturday. Although only winning three games, they are vastly improved. They played national powers Northern Iowa, Western Illinois and Youngstown State tough and beat Murray. We will need the same focus and intensity this week against them.

Many thanks to those who attended our game with EKU. We'll need you and more this week against our rivals in SIU.

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