Indians have two steady legs in Kutz, Simonhoff

Southeast's kicking game has been a bright spot thus far.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missouri State University's football team has been outscored 91-13 in its first two contests, so the Indians' kicking game has not been able to make a difference so far.

But senior placekicker Derek Kutz and sophomore punter David Simonhoff have been as good as advertised -- and if they keep it up, coach Tim Billings figures it's only a matter of time before they pay major dividends in close games.

"We're really good in the kicking game, which is a plus for us," Billings said. "They really could make a difference."

Kutz, a senior from St. Vincent High School in Perryville, is in his fourth season as the Indians' regular placekicker. He hit 15 of 21 field goals last year to make first team all-Ohio Valley Conference, and is a solid 32 of 45 on field goals in his career.

So far this season, Kutz has connected on both of his field-goal attempts, from 38 and 22 yards. And, for the first time during his career, his kickoffs have consistently been going into -- and often out of -- the end zone.

"Derek has really increased his leg strength. He's kicking the ball well," Billings said. "I don't think we'd be afraid to try longer field goals with him this year."

Simonhoff had a solid freshman season last year, averaging 41 yards per punt and being named to the all-OVC second team.

But, in the first two games this year, Simonhoff has taken his punting to another level. He leads the OVC and ranks second nationally in Division I-AA with an average of 48.5 yards per boot. And he's had plenty of work, punting 11 times because Southeast's offense has struggled to score points.

"David is also really kicking the ball well," Billings said. "He's got a chance to be one of the best in the nation."

Kutz and Simonhoff will have their next chance to make a difference Saturday when the Indians visit Division I-A Central Michigan in a battle of 0-2 teams.

While Southeast has suffered lopsided losses at SIU (42-3) and Division I-A Bowling Green (49-10), Central Michigan has been beaten at Indiana (41-10) and Michigan State (24-7).

McCoy again doubtful

Heralded cornerback Charles McCoy, a junior college transfer who chose Southeast over USC and Nebraska, is again doubtful this week as he continues to wait for his transcripts to be sent from Santa Monica (Calif.) Community College. McCoy has not yet suited up for a game as his eligibility remains in limbo.

Two other California junior college transfers whose eligibility had been in question, running backs John Radney and Lawrence Letuli, have been declared academically ineligible.

On the injury front, starting linebacker O.J. Turner should be able to play against Central Michigan after missing the second half of Saturday's Bowling Green game with a sprained ankle. Billings said Turner could have played in the second half Saturday but he was held out for precautionary reasons.

Another starting linebacker, Brandon Colar, might be able to see action at Central Michigan. He missed the Bowling Green game after suffering an elbow injury in the season opener at SIU.

Starting cornerback Marco Tipton remains doubtful with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action so far this season.

Noteworthy

Eleven Central Michigan football players are among 50 people who have been interviewed by police about a June 25 nightclub incident in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., that resulted in a 26-year-old man's death nearly three weeks later.

According to a newspaper report, police have not identified any suspects, but unidentified members of the football team appear to be targets of the investigation. Central Michigan coach Brian Kelly said he would suspend any players who face charges.