Harris posts first 100-yard game

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- With Mike Jones not even making the trip because of an ankle injury, Henry Harris knew he would have to shoulder much of Southeast Missouri State's rushing load.

Harris was up to the challenge Saturday by recording his first 100-yard game for the Redhawks. It also was Southeast's first such performance of the season.

The sophomore tailback gained an even 100 yards on 24 carries as Southeast rallied past host Indiana State 24-21.

"There was a lot of pressure, but I didn't crack under it," said Harris, a transfer from Division I-A Memphis who saw limited action for the Tigers last year.

Harris had more than half of Southeast's total rushing attempts as the Redhawks ran the ball 40 times.

Harris overcame a slow start, like the rest of Southeast's offense, which generated 37 yards in the first half. He gained 19 yards on nine attempts in the opening half. He had 81 yards in the final half on 15 carries.

But Harris finished strong, including the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard plunge with 42 seconds left.

Harris also had a 32-yard run, Southeast's longest of the season. He had the previous long run of 29 yards.

"They didn't come easy," Harris said of his yardage total. "I just had to keep pushing. The O-line did a great job."

Harris' 24 carries Saturday matched his previous total for the entire season. He missed the first two games with a knee injury.

Harris, who took over Southeast's rushing lead with 206 yards, will join a more crowded backfield when the Redhawks resume Ohio Valley Conference play Saturday at Jacksonville State.

While Southeast hopes to get sophomore Jones back soon, the Redhawks will be bolstered by the return of senior Timmy Holloman.

Holloman, Southeast's leading rusher the last three years, will be eligible to play the season's final seven games after being forced to miss the first five contests under NCAA guidelines.

Statistically speaking

Southeast wound up with 285 yards, its fewest yards in any game this season. The previous low was 306 against Tennessee Tech.

But Saturday's figure doesn't look so bad considering the Redhawks had only 37 yards in the first half.

The Redhawks' defense established a season-low total for yards allowed for the second game in a row.

Southeast allowed 296 yards Saturday after limiting Missouri State to 314 yards the previous week.

While Harris topped all rushers Saturday, Southeast junior wide receiver Walter Peoples caught a game-high five passes for 98 yards.

Senior safety Vincent Anderson and senior cornerback Kendall Magana led the Redhawks in tackles with nine each.

Southeast was penalized 11 times for 69 yards, but had just two penalties for 10 yards in the second half.

Noteworthy

• Southeast broke a seven-game road losing streak Saturday.

The Redhawks lost their final road game in 2006, lost all five of their road games last year and dropped their only other road contest this season, at Missouri.

• Southeast's next opponent, preseason OVC favorite Jacksonville State, opened conference play Saturday with an impressive 23-10 win at Eastern Illinois.

Heralded LSU transfer quarterback Ryan Perrilloux threw for a touchdown and ran for two scores to lead the Gamecocks. He passed for 281 yards.

• The Redhawks are 0-1 in the OVC, having lost to Tennessee Tech 29-27 on Sept. 11.