Indians planning to bounce back big

As disappointing as Saturday's 44-27 loss to Eastern Illinois was, Southeast Missouri State University football players said it was merely a bump in the road as the Indians continue to chase the school's first winning season since 1994 -- and perhaps even higher accomplishments.

The Indians, who fell to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play, vowed to bounce back strong for this Saturday's OVC game at Murray State (2-4, 1-1).

"We're not going to get down about it," senior wide receiver Willie Ponder said. "We've just got to win out the rest of the way."

Southeast is now in a second-place OVC tie with Eastern Kentucky (5-3, 2-1) as both trail Eastern Illinois (5-2, 3-0).

Considering that the Panthers have already disposed of tough opponents Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech and Southeast, Eastern Illinois looks like a solid bet to go though the conference season undefeated for the second straight year, although the Panthers have a potential roadblock at Murray State on the final date of the regular season.

Still, the Indians -- who have difficult OVC games left at Murray State, at home against Tennessee Tech and at Eastern Kentucky -- are not yet giving up their hopes of at least a share of the league title.

"We're not going to let one game ruin the whole season for us. Otherwise, there would be no point to play the rest of the games," senior defensive tackle James Jennette said. "We still feel like we're in the hunt for the OVC."

While Southeast coach Tim Billings knows it might be difficult to have a realistic shot at capturing the program's first OVC title, he agreed with his players that Saturday's setback won't deter the squad.

"It was disappointing to lose, but we got beat by a great football team and now we have to move on," Billings said. "There is still a lot of the season left and there is still a lot we can accomplish."

The Panthers showed Southeast why they are the nation's seventh-ranked Division I-AA team and also the solid favorite to win their second straight OVC title.

After falling behind Southeast 21-7 early in the second quarter, the Panthers stormed from behind with 30 unanswered points to win comfortably.

Quarterback Tony Romo led the comeback as he threw four first-half touchdown passes and finished the game with five TD tosses.

Farmer honored

Southeast linebacker Ricky Farmer won the OVC defensive player of the week award Sunday. He had 14 tackles, including 11 solo stops, and intercepted a pass Saturday.

Romo is the offensive player of the week for the third straight time.