Goodenough's first start is a winner

MARTIN, Tenn. -- Andrew Goodenough made his first start at quarterback for Southeast Missouri State University on Saturday.

And although far from spectacular, Goodenough was solid in helping the Indians post a 20-7 road victory over Tennessee-Martin.

"He didn't do anything great, yet he didn't hurt us either," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "I thought he made some good checks in the running game and overall had a solid game."

Goodenough, a junior transfer from Arizona State who replaced Jack Tomco as the Indians' starter, completed 19 of 29 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He connected on his first five attempts.

"I thought I did all right, but there are a lot of things I have to improve," Goodenough said. "But this was a good game to step into, with how well the defense played, and the offensive line did a great job."

After seeing limited action in four games previously this season -- completing 10 of 19 for 88 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions -- Goodenough received his most extensive playing time since facing Nebraska in last year's season opener for Arizona State.

In that contest in Lincoln, Neb., Goodenough was the second of four Sun Devil quarterbacks to play. He completed four of eight passes for 52 yards with one interception. He missed the rest of the year with an injury and then transferred to Southeast.

"It felt good to finally get out and play a lot. It's been a while," Goodenough said, smiling. "I got off to a good start and that helped."

Billings said that, barring something unforeseen, Goodenough would get his second start next Saturday when the Indians host Tennessee State.

"I thought he led the team well. He led us to a win. He did everything we asked," Billings said. "As far as I know, he's starting."

Sack totals are turned around

UTM entered the contest leading the Ohio Valley Conference with 23 quarterback sacks while Southeast had only eight.

But those figures were turned around Saturday as the Indians harassed dangerous UTM quarterback Brady Wahlberg all day and sacked him four times.

Meanwhile, Goodenough was barely touched. The Skyhawks had no sacks.

Simonhoff, Taufoou return

Punter David Simonhoff and tailback David Taufoou both returned to action after missing time with injuries.

Simonhoff, a freshman who leads the OVC in punting, missed just one game despite a broken tibia. He averaged 40.2 yards on four punts Saturday, placing two inside the 20-yard line.

Taufoou (knee) was been out the past three games. He rushed for 39 yards on eight carries Saturday and caught two passes for three yards.

Statistical leaders

Southeast had 333 yards of offense to 364 for UTM. The Indians rushed for 144 yards. Jamel Oliver led the way with 53 yards on 12 carries while Bobby Dorsainvil added 47 yards on 14 attempts.

Ray Goodson was Goodenough's favorite target, catching six passes for 66 yards. Brandon Amick had four receptions for 39 yards, Chris NesSmith caught three passes for 21 yards and Dorsainvil added two receptions for 36 yards.

Wahlberg completed 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards.

Turner was unofficially credited with 10 tackles, including two for loss. Cal Jillson and Ryan Roth both had two tackles for loss. Kendrick Percell intercepted a pass.