COACH'S CORNER: INDIANS FELT ELECTRICTY OF HUGE CROWD

Many thanks to the 11,000-plus fans who attended our Family Weekend game with Eastern Kentucky, which we lost 37-28 despite a big comeback.

I'm sure that the Beach Boys had more to do with the record-setting attendance than we did. However, Saturday night's atmosphere was the most electric in many years. I know that we haven't provided much to cheer about, but I am appreciative of the energy of our fans.

As Bill Walsh would point out to his 49ers teams, players must rely on an excessive intense focus to be able to perform at a consistent and championship level.

Coach Walsh would use examples of world-class tennis players, downhill skiers and race-car drivers who may well have the best ability to eliminate outside distractions and focus totally and intensely on the task at hand.

After four first-quarter scores by EKU due to our turnovers, big plays and poor kick coverage, we seemed to catch on to the idea of intense focus. It is hard to imagine not being mentally ready, especially in front of family. But, obviously, we weren't.

After coming back from the 28-point deficit to tie the game, I can never fault the character and heart of our team. However, to come out of the locker room and give away 28 points because of a lack of focus is inexcusable.

Offensively, we made three costly turnovers on two interceptions and a fumble that led to 21 points. When we settled down and executed, we moved the ball at will.

I felt that our tailbacks, K.D. Koleosho, Riki Smith and Iven Brown, ran extremely hard. Broderick Benson had his best game as a blocking fullback.

Mike Gross started at quarterback and, after settling down, directed our first touchdown drive with a nice 14-yard TD pass to John Borne. Bobby Brune entered the game in the second quarter and continued to move the team, directing two second-quarter touchdown drives and also one in the third quarter. He threw two TD passes.

Our quarterback situation will continue to be competitive.

Defensively, we stuffed the EKU running game to just 94 yards. EKU's talented tailbacks had averaged 100 yards apiece per game before our contest.

David Bowling, Donovan LaViness and Jeremy Atwell continue to be as active a linebacker corps as we have ever had. Joel Becker, Brad Richardson, James Jenette and Chad Gwilliam controlled the line of scrimmage and played well.

However, we were too susceptible to the deep ball against EKU and must tighten up our coverage.

Tennessee Tech visits for our next game. The Eagles have a tremendous defense and employ the run-and-shoot offense.

It is homecoming Saturday and we would appreciate a great crowd to create the same electricity we felt against EKU. Many thanks for the support and hang in there with our team.

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