Racers limit Ponder, but not Indians' offense

MURRAY, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University senior wide receiver Willie Ponder, who leads all of Division I-AA in receptions and receiving yards, was held to just three catches for 78 yards Saturday, although he did score a touchdown.

But that did little to slow down the Indians' offense as they piled up 424 yards during a 38-31 loss to Murray State.

"They doubled him all day and there was no reason to go to him," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "We've got a lot of weapons on offense and we scored well enough to win the game."

While Billings was satisfied enough with Southeast's offense -- which has produced 108 points and generated more than 1,400 yards the past three games -- he was less than enamored with the Indians' defense that has sprung some major leaks during the same three-week period.

Southeast's defense began the season by allowing more than 600 yards during a double-overtime victory over Division II Arkansas-Monticello. But the Indians' seemed to gradually improve on defense, culminating with a stellar performance during a stunning upset of Division I-A Middle Tennessee. That was followed by a first-half shutout during a rout of Tennessee State.

But in the last three weeks, Southeast has given up 117 points and more than 1,300 yards, including 405 yards against Murray State.

"We've given up a lot of points and yards the last few weeks, and what really bothers me is we've been giving up big plays the last few weeks," Billings said. "We play hot and cold on defense. It reminds me of our offense last year. We're young and inconsistent (on defense). I kind of feel like our defense is a year behind our offense."

Running wild

Southeast's two-headed running back combination of Corey Kinsey and Keiki Misipeka both rushed for more than 100 yards Saturday.

Kinsey, the OVC's leading rusher, gained 103 yards on 23 carries. Misipeka, who ranks seventh in the OVC, added 100 yards on 17 attempts and he scored two touchdowns, both from 3 yards out.

Quarterback Jack Tomco completed 22 of 33 passes for 236 yards, including touchdowns of 42 yards to Ponder and 4 yards to Ray Goodson. Tomco was intercepted once.

Eight Indians caught passes, led by Bill Coleman with five receptions for 27 yards. Graham Goodfield had three for 59 yards, Tarik Simpson had three for 25 and Goodson added three for 19.

According to unofficial pressbox statistics, Ricky Farmer led the defense with 11 tackles. Caleb Daniel had the Indians' lone sack. Kendrick Percell and Michael Irving recovered fumbles.

For Murray State, Billy Blanchard rushed for 183 yards on 19 carries and he scored four touchdowns. Quarterback Stewart Childress was 16-for-22 for 166 yards.