INDIANS EXPECTED TO BEGIN WITH MARTINI AGAINST UTM

It appears as if quarterback Justin Martini will make his first start of the season this week for Southeast Missouri State University's football team.

With Heath Graham still feeling the effects of a concussion he suffered during last Saturday's 17-3 loss at Murray State, Southeast coach John Mumford said Martini is likely to get the nod for this Saturday's game at Tennessee-Martin.

"Heath is still having some problems and you just don't take any chances with a head injury," said Mumford. "Justin has been getting the bulk of the repetitions in practice and if that continues then he'll start (against UTM)."

Martini took over for Graham early in the second half against Murray State after Graham was knocked out of the game on a late hit. Martini went on to direct Southeast's lone scoring drive and moved the team relatively well.

"I thought Justin did a good job and showed a lot of poise," Mumford said.

Martini also split time with Graham during a season-opening 24-6 win over Lambuth but played only sparingly during the second game, a 41-7 loss to Illinois State.

For the season, Martini has completed 20 of 48 passes for 223 yards, with four interceptions and no touchdowns. Graham is 19 of 45 for 165 yards, with four interceptions and one touchdown.

Last season, Martini started 10 of the Indians' 11 games, completing 103 of 234 passes for 1,225 yards and five touchdowns, with seven interceptions.