Indians' latest loss has several positives

Southeast Missouri State University football coach Tim Billings had to discuss another loss at his weekly media conference Monday morning -- but at least this one was a bit easier to stomach.

After being dominated by Southern Illinois the previous week, the Indians stood toe to toe with Division I-A Arkansas State Saturday night during a 21-3 road loss.

Despite the Indians falling to 0-3, Billings was encouraged by their performance.

"It's tough to be 0-3, but I feel a lot better this week than I did last week," Billings said. "Believe it or not, there were a lot of positives about that game. We weren't intimidated at all."

The Indians were dominated statistically by Southern Illinois and had only a couple of good scoring opportunities, but that was not the case against Arkansas State. Southeast was outgained in total yardage just 312 to 259 and five times reached the Arkansas State 31-yard line or closer, including twice getting inside the 10.

Offensive struggles

But the Indians continued to struggle producing points. They have scored just 13 points -- one touchdown and two field goals -- which has basically wasted a strong defensive showing so far. Despite playing two Division I-A teams and a red-hot Southern Illinois squad, Southeast has allowed only 66 points.

"We did some better things offensively, but it's discouraging to only score three points," Billings said. "We just have to figure out a way to score in the red zone. We haven't clicked yet, but we're getting closer.

"We're 0-3, but if we could have put some points on the board ... we've played well enough defensively."

Said quarterback Jeromy McDowell of the Indians' offensive problems near the goal line, "There has to be something to it, but I'm confident we'll figure it out soon."

Billings hopes the Indians figure it out in time for Saturday's 6 p.m. home game against Southwest Missouri State (1-1) because they could sure use a win prior to the Sept. 27 Ohio Valley Conference opener at Samford. The Bears, 4-7 last year, have routed Division II East Central (Okla.) 48-0 and lost to Division I-A Oklahoma State 42-3.

"No question, the best thing for us would be to have a win heading into conference play," Billings said. "You can only learn so much by losing. This is a crucial game.

"We're not in panic mode, but things are starting to get there. It's an urgency mode."No decision on QB

Billings said he won't decide on a starting quarterback for Southwest Missouri until later in the week.

McDowell received his first start of the season against Arkansas State and played the entire first half before leaving with an ankle injury early in the third quarter. He did not return but should be fine this week.

Jack Tomco, who started the first two games, played most of the second half. Andrew Goodenough also came in for a few plays.

"We haven't really talked about it yet," Billings said regarding the possible starter. "It will be either Jeromy or Jack."

Indians banged up

The Indians suffered several injuries against Arkansas State but Billings said just about everybody is probable for Southwest Missouri except defensive backs Mike Miller and Marco Tipton, who suffered knee injuries earlier in the season and are out indefinitely.

In addition to McDowell, offensive guard Dan Bieg left the Arkansas State game with a knee injury and tight end Graham Goodfield hurt an ankle. All should see action this week.

"We're pretty banged up right now," Billings said.Noteworthy

***Look for junior-college transfer tailback David Taufoou to see more action Saturday. He is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, with 79 yards in 15 attempts, while Southeast as a team is averaging just 2.1 yards per rush.

"As he learns more about the offense, he'll play even more," Billings said. "I look for him to play a lot more this week."

***The OVC issued a public reprimand Monday to Tennessee-Martin coach Matt Griffin for comments made in the media following Thursday's 14-7 overtime loss to East Tennessee State that were critical of the officiating, but Griffin will not be disciplined.