Lillard's injury complicates QB battle

~ Anderson also left the game briefly after getting shaken up.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Southeast Missouri State's quarterback situation had been plenty interesting through the first three games of the season.

It became even more intriguing Saturday night as the Redhawks opened Ohio Valley Conference play with a 26-21 loss at Samford.

Houston Lillard, who basically had been splitting time with fellow junior college transfer Victor Anderson, earned the start after his strong performance against Indiana State the previous week.

After driving the Redhawks to a field goal on their first offensive possession, Lillard was injured while scrambling for 6 yards on the second play of Southeast's second offensive possession.

A trainer checks out Southeast Missouri State starting quarterback Houston Lillard after Lillard suffered an injury in the second quarter of Saturday's Ohio Valley Conference opener at Samford. Lillard did not return to action after being injured. (MIKE WILLIAMSON ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian)

Lillard never returned to the game as he suffered a rib injury.

"It was disappointing because I was feeling good," said Lillard, who completed his first three pass attempts and wound up 3-of-5 for 23 yards. "I couldn't come back in. I wouldn't have been effective.

"But I'll be back next week."

Anderson replaced Lillard and led the Redhawks to a 14-7 halftime lead that increased to 21-7 on the opening possession of the second half.

Anderson was shaken up early in the third quarter -- he said it was a combination of cramps and a groin problem -- which meant the first college action for true freshman Jared Van Slyke.

Southeast Missouri State running back Tim Holloman (26) celebrated after his touchdown run with tight end Joseph Tuineau. (MIKE WILLIAMSON ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian)

Van Slyke, facing a third down, had his first collegiate play marred by a false-start penalty on a lineman.

He then scrambled for a 4-yard gain, but Southeast was forced to punt.

The St. Louis native and son of former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Andy Van Slyke came in for one more series and, on third down, had his first collegiate pass intercepted, which led to a Samford field goal.

"I didn't expect to play all year," said Van Slyke, who barring injuries, appeared headed for a redshirt season. "But I always prepared as if I was going to play.

"I've seen it too many times ... as soon as Houston got hurt, I told myself I better get mentally prepared. You never know."

Anderson, although a bit hobbled, came back in after that as the Redhawks were clinging to a 21-20 lead late in the third period.

But the Redhawks never could get much going the rest of the night as they failed to score again.

Southeast had just one first down and 54 yards total over the final 27 minutes.

"I had body cramps in my arm and both legs, and I hurt my groin," Anderson said. "I think when I went out, we lost a lot of momentum."

Anderson completed 6-of-18 passes for 64 yards. He rushed for 46 yards on 13 carries and was sacked twice.

"I don't think I played a good game, honestly," he said.

Holloman hits milestone

Southeast junior tailback Timmy Holloman rushed for 170 yards on 28 carries and scored touchdowns on runs of 39 and 45 yards.

By gaining at least 100 yards for the third straight game, Holloman became the first Southeast player to achieve that feat since Brian Lattimore in 1988.

Not even the program's career rushing leader -- Kelvin "Earthquake" Anderson, who topped 1,000 yards in all three of his seasons from 1992 to 1994 -- had three consecutive 100-yard performances.

"I didn't even know about it," Holloman said. "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

"I'm just disappointed we lost."

Holloman had 141 yards last week against Indiana State and 203 yards the previous week against Southwest Baptist.

He entered Saturday's contest as the OVC's third-leading rusher and now has 522 yards. He has scored five touchdowns, all coming from at least 20 yards out.

Holloman led Southeast in rushing in each of his first two seasons with more than 1,300 combined yards.

Noteworthy

• Sophomore kicker/punter Doug Spada continued his impressive early-season play. He made both his field goal attempts Saturday, from 48 and 46 yards. He is 6-of-7 this season, with a long of 49 yards. His only miss was a 50-yarder.

Spada also averaged 41.6 yards on seven punts against Samford, with three inside the 20.

• Van Slyke's interception was Southeast's only turnover. Samford did not commit a turnover.