Defense takes top billing in Indians' win at Eastern Kentucky

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Although Willie Ponder dabbles in defense on occasion, his main calling card is as one of the nation's premier wide receivers.

But Southeast Missouri State University's senior All-American appreciates good defensive play, particularly when it helps the Indians gain a major victory.

That's why Ponder was more inclined to talk about the Indians' defense rather than his own performance after Southeast's 35-21 win over Eastern Kentucky Saturday night.

"My hat's off to the defense," Ponder said. "I can't say enough about the job they did and I'm so proud of them."

Southeast's defense has taken its share of hits this season, but the unit turned in a masterpiece Saturday when it allowed EKU 194 total yards and only 67 rushing yards.

"They've taken a lot of heat, but the defense was the key to the game," Ponder said.

While the offense also did its share with 463 yards against an EKU defense that had allowed just 262 yards per game, the Indians' defenders certainly came up big.

"I think the defense has really grown up toward the end of the season and they're playing like we know they can," Southeast coach Tim Billings said.

Indians' defensive end Ryan Roth said Saturday's performance and the one during an upset of Division I-A Middle Tennessee earlier in the season indicates the kind of potential Southeast's defense has.

"Like in the Middle game, this is what we're capable of doing," Roth said. "The offense and defense came together tonight."

Southeast's defense faced several adverse situations but never buckled.

In the first quarter, facing a stiff wind, the Indians had bad field position and, after punts, EKU started its first two possessions from the Southeast 41 and 31-yard lines. But the Colonels had to settle for field goals both times.

Then, late in the third quarter, with Southeast up 28-21, EKU blocked a punt and took over at the Indians' 25. But again the defense stiffened and the Colonels this time missed a field-goal attempt.

"They just hung in there the whole game," Billings said. "Even in bad situations, they played great."

According to unofficial pressbox statistics, linebacker Ricky Farmer led the Indians with nine tackles. Linebacker O.J. Turner and end Adam Jones had eight each, cornerback Dimitri Patterson seven and Roth six.

Southeast was credited with nine tackles for loss, two each by Turner and Roth. Roth and Jones had quarterback sacks and safety Mike Miller intercepted a pass.