INDIAN OFFENSE SHUFFLES BY SIU

Southeast Missouri State University's football team shuffled its quarterbacks Saturday and the end result was a season-high 490 yards worth of offense during an impressive 28-17 come-from-behind win over Southern Illinois.

Starting quarterback Justin Martini did not practice all that much during the week because of a shoulder problem so Jeff Shaw got the starting nod for Saturday's game at Houck Stadium.

Shaw -- who began the season as a wide receiver but was moved to quarterback when Heath Graham left the squad early in the campaign -- saw his most extensive action of the year behind center.

An option quarterback in high school, Shaw performed well, particularly on the ground as he rushed for 61 yards on 13 carries. He directed the Indians to a pair of third-quarter touchdowns after SIU had gone ahead 17-0.

Shaw also threw some good passes, although he wound up completing just three of nine for 48 yards.

"I thought Jeff did well," said Southeast head coach John Mumford. "The option game gave them trouble and he didn't throw the ball bad."

Martini also played quite a bit and directed the Indians' game-winning touchdown drive late in the game. Martini finished seven of 16 for 142 yards.

"Both Jeff and Justin did some good things," Mumford said.

* SIU's highly-touted quarterback, Missouri transfer Kent Skornia, displayed his talents by completing 20 of 38 passes for 216 yards.

But Southeast's defense made it extremely tough on Skornia with several sacks and constant pressure.

According to unofficial press box statistics after the game, Brad Richardson led the charge against Skornia with two sacks. Troy Baglio, Angel Rubio and Steve Ledbetter were each credited with one.

Rubio and David Bowling each were credited with nine tackles while Brian Hinton had eight.

* Tight end Mitch Fryer led Southeast's receivers with four catches for 125 yards.

* Southeast receiver Marcus McKinley was blasted after catching a pass late in the game. He stayed down on the field for several minutes before walking off.

After the contest, McKinley still appeared somewhat dazed as he left with Southeast head trainer Lance McNamara.

"Marcus was really woozy but he should be fine," Mumford said.