COACH'S CORNER: SEMO MUST BOUNCE BACK AFTER BLOWOUT

A team that has struggled as we have can ill afford to approach any game without total focus and intensity. We did so last Saturday against Middle Tennessee and ended up on the receiving end of a 55-6 embarrassment.

MTSU deserves the credit for an excellent offensive game plan. They effectively spread us out, ran the ball and then threw deep on us. Their running backs were very good. We helped them by not running through tackles.

Our defense has played at an extremely high level all year until this game. Simply put, we were flatter than a pancake.

Offensively, we were stagnant early in the game. We had three early three-and-out series that gave MTSU the opportunity to score.

In the second quarter we mounted a scoring drive that brought us within 22 points with a half to play. However, MTSU put together a quick scoring drive at the end of the half to go in 35-6.

Obviously the halftime was anything but jubilant. We worked on trying to create a spark. Our defense went out and started with a three-and-out series. Offensively, we started from our own 8-yard line and drove inside the 10 but came up short. Three points would not have helped being down by 29.

Offensively, we totaled 300-plus yards. We didn't score as needed to keep up with MTSU. The three phases of football must always complement and/or sustain each other when one phase is not playing well. If our defense is having trouble, we need to get into a shootout offensively. If the offense is troubled then the defense must create more opportunities.

In order to win at Austin Peay this Saturday we must jump on them early. We're obviously "fragile" when behind and have difficulty "coming back."

Austin Peay hasn't won but they play extremely hard. Early in the week we concerned ourselves with our own problems. We came out to practice Monday and stretched and scrimmaged for an hour and a half. I must say, the intensity level was impressive and must be maintained for the next four weeks.

I read the other day that a winning season is "doubtful." Based on last Saturday's performance, I can understand the thought. Based on Monday's and Tuesday's practices, it's damn probable. We'll see which team gets on the bus to go to Austin Peay and bring home a win.

Following the game at Austin Peay, we will close out the season with three straight home games, facing Eastern Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Tennessee State. All three opponents will be formidable. Eastern Kentucky is undefeated in conference play.

Per NCAA rules, I cannot get specific about recruiting. In general, there are some excellent players in Southeast Missouri this year. We are now in our evaluation period where we can only watch film, practice and games. We are working hard to recruit the area's best from the bootheel to St. Louis and the prospects seem very good.

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