FOURTH AND LONG: INDIAN OFFENSE FINDS CHAINS HARD TO MOVE

Southeast Missouri State University's football team does appear to have quite a bit more talent on offense this year as opposed to last season.

But you sure can't tell it by the production so far.

In 1996, Southeast's offense -- lacking legitimate Division I-AA speed at virtually every position -- generated an average of 224.6 yards per game to rank dead last in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Through five games this season, the Indians -- despite apparently upgrading their talent base considerably, especially at running back and wide receiver -- are averaging only 235.6 yards per game to rank next-to-last in the OVC.

And the bulk of what offense Southeast has generated so far this season has come in its two victories, easy triumphs over outmanned foes Lambuth and Tennessee-Martin.

During Saturday's 32-7 home loss to Eastern Illinois, the Indians had only 144 yards of offense -- and half of that total came on the team's final two drives when the game was already a blowout and the Panthers were substituting freely. Because of Southeast's inept offense, the Panthers were able to control the football for more than 37 of a possible 60 minutes and ultimately wore down the Indians' defense.

Nobody knows better than Southeast head coach John Mumford how important it is for the Indians' offense to start holding up its end of the bargain because the Tribe's stout defense and solid special teams can't be expected to win games by themselves.

Speaking at his weekly media conference Monday morning, Mumford said offensive comparisons to last year shouldn't even be made.

"I know we're a better offensive team than last year," he said. "I think there are a couple of factors (for the struggling offense). We've got a lot of new players on offense and we've also got a new (offensive) staff.

"Probably more than any phase of football, the offense takes time to jell."

Right now, defenses are simply stacking the line of scrimmage against the Indians, playing eight and even nine people up front in order to shut down Southeast's running game and make the Indians succeed through the air.

"The defenses we're seeing now a days, not just against us but the way football has gone now, is eight-man fronts and sometimes even nine," Mumford said. "We have to throw the football more effectively."

Mumford said there are two primary reasons he believes the offense will ultimately come around and be a solid unit.

"I think we'll be more successful because, A, the offensive line is improving, and B, we have very good receivers," he said. "We just have to get the trigger man right."

Mumford was referring to quarterback Justin Martini, who suffered through a 4-for-20, five-interception performance against Eastern Illinois.

With the recent departure of Heath Graham, Martini -- last year's starter -- is Southeast's only quarterback with any real college experience. Converted wide receiver Jeff Shaw is the backup and true freshman Bobby Brune -- who Mumford hopes to redshirt -- is behind Shaw.

"Justin is the only one with a lot of game experience," said Mumford. "Justin is playing his heart out but he needs to make better decisions.

"Jeff Shaw has learned the offense very well and very quick. He probably deserves more reps in practice."

Shaw, an option quarterback in high school, could probably be used if the Indians decided to put a little more option into their offense, but Mumford said that right now Martini is still his man.

"I think our football team is still 100 percent behind Justin," he said.

Mumford said there is also no question the Indians will need to mix up their plays a bit more, particularly against the better teams on the schedule.

Against Eastern Illinois, despite the fact the Panthers were crowding the line of scrimmage to shut down the run, the Indians attempted just one pass on first down the entire first half. Most of the passes came on predictable second-and-long and third-and-long situations.

Conversely, the Panthers -- despite having a powerful rushing attack -- tried six passes on first down in the opening half in an attempt to keep Southeast's defense off-balance.

"There's no question we're going to have to mix it up a little more," said Mumford. "Nobody knows that more than (offensive coordinator) Steve Schottel. I have a lot of faith in what coach Schottel can do with an offense."

Looking at the bigger picture, said Mumford, it's definitely too early in the season for anybody to panic. The 2-3 Indians must simply regroup and try to bounce back for Saturday's homecoming game against Tennessee Tech.

"We bounced back after the Murray game (Sept. 20) and had a very good performance against Tennessee-Martin the following week," he said. "That's what we need to do this week. If we can beat Tech, we're 3-3 at the midpoint with five games left and that gives us an opportunity to have a great season. We have to take advantage of it."