INDIANS SEEK REVENGE TODAY AGAINST EIU

Southeast Missouri State University's football team will try to gain a bit of revenge and put together a three-game winning streak today.

The Indians, who saw a tremendous comeback wiped out in the closing seconds against Eastern Illinois last year, will host the Panthers in a 1 p.m. Ohio Valley Conference kickoff at Houck Stadium.

Both squads are 1-4 in OVC play and the winner of today's game will be assured of no worse than a tie for sixth place in the eight-team league, although neither squad has the opportunity to move up any further in the standings.

Southeast is 2-7 overall after winning its last two games. EIU is 1-8 overall as the Panthers are having their worst season since 1993.

Last season, the Indians rallied from a 29-10 deficit to take a 33-32 lead in the late going. But the Panthers kicked a field goal in the closing seconds, then saw a long Southeast field-goal try just miss as EIU held on for a 35-33 victory."I know our returning players remember that game," said Southeast coach John Mumford. "That game still stings and it would be great to make up for it."Mumford acknowledges that it would also be great to have a three-game winning streak. But he knows that will be tough to accomplish because he believes the Panthers are much better than their record indicates.

What really hurt EIU, according to Mumford, is the fact they played three Division I-A teams early in the season. Although the Panthers were competitive in all three games, Mumford believes they paid a price."I think it has taken a toll on them physically, but they are still an excellent football team with a lot of very good players," Mumford said. "It will take a top effort for us to continue our winning streak."EIU's lone victory has been a 42-21 decision over hapless Tennessee-Martin, although that game which came early in the season was close until the closing minutes.

The Panthers have some impressive losses, including 31-27 at Division I-A Hawaii, which is in the running for a bowl bid; 31-21 at Division I-A Central Florida; and 37-32 at OVC power Murray State."They have played a lot of good teams close," said Mumford.

Last week, however, the Panthers were pounded at home 38-15 by Western Kentucky, which ripped EIU for 399 yards rushing and 450 total yards.

EIU is next-to-last in the OVC in total defense, allowing 461 yards per game. The Panthers are also next-to-last in the league in rushing defense, giving up 208 yards a contest.

Offensively, the Panthers are more impressive, ranking fourth in the eight-team league in total yards (361 yards per game) and third in passing offense (236 yards per game).Quarterback Anthony Buich, who is third in the OVC in total offense, is having a solid season, completing 124 of 220 passes (56 percent) for 1,670 yards, with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Tailback Jabarey McDavid has been strong for the Panthers, rushing for 681 yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

The Panthers also have a dangerous return man in Frank Cutolo, who leads the OVC in punt returns with an impressive 19.7-yard average. Cutolo has scored on both a punt and kickoff return."I'm impressed with their quarterback and McDavid is an excellent running back," said Mumford. "Cutolo is deceptive. He's a tall, lanky kid with good speed. We'll have to make sure we can contain him."Southeast's offense has gotten a major lift in the past two games from quarterback Rashad West, who has had two straight impressive performances. During a 36-7 win over Tennessee-Martin last Saturday, West completed 13 of 23 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a score.

Tailback K.D. Koleosho has gained 225 yards in his last three games and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry for the season."We've been a lot more consistent on offense," Mumford said. "Our offensive line has really improved and I think that's made a big difference."