Indians hurting in more ways than one following loss at SIU

The Southeast Missouri State football team didn't only have its feelings hurt by Thursday's 42-3 season-opening thrashing at second-ranked Southern Illinois.

The Indians also were hurt literally as their injury report during the contest was significant.

Junior starting linebacker Brandon Colar suffered a dislocated elbow, redshirt freshman starting wide receiver Scott NesSmith banged up a knee and defensive back Brennan Spain, who saw significant action off the bench, suffered a concussion.

Early reports indicated that NesSmith possibly has a torn ACL. If that is the case, he could miss the rest of the season. Colar figures to miss quite a bit of time, if not the rest of the year.

Coincidentally, NesSmith's older brother, Chris -- a senior who has been one of the Indians' leading pass-catchers the last two years -- is hobbled by a torn ACL and is holding for field goals and extra points but is questionable to see any time at receiver this season.

"We're pretty beat up," Southeast coach Tim Billings said.

Also, linebacker Travion Brock played Thursday despite having a broken hand suffered during a recent practice. And starting cornerback Marco Tipton missed the contest totally because of a hamstring injury suffered in practice.

In addition, prize cornerback recruit Charles McCoy did not play Thursday because his official transcripts have not yet arrived from Santa Monica (Calif.) Community College.

And two key offensive players -- wide receivers Antonio Scaife and T.J. Milcic -- did not suit up as they served suspensions for violating undisclosed team policy.

"We've got to have our best players on the field in order to be a good football team," Billings said.

And things only figure to get tougher for the Indians -- if that's possible after being outgained 554 yards to 250 yards by SIU -- in their next game as they visit Division I-A Bowling Green on Sept. 11. Bowling Green ended last season ranked 23rd nationally and received votes in this week's poll.

"We just have to hang tough," senior tight end Ray Goodson said. "We can't get our heads down."

Added offensive tackle Dan Connolly: "It was disappointing, but it's only the first game and we just need to bounce back."

Noteworthy

According to unofficial pressbox statistics, linebacker O.J. Turner led the Indians in tackles with 12, and he was credited with Southeast's only sack. Safety Mike Miller had 10 tackles and safety Anthony Lumpkin followed with nine.

SIU's leading receiver in the game was Poplar Bluff High School product Brent Little, who caught five passes for 72 yards. Little was the Salukis' top receiver last season.

The Salukis are virtually assured of moving up to the top spot when the two major Division I-AA polls are released Monday. That's because current No. 1 and defending national champion Delaware lost to New Hampshire 24-21 Thursday night.