Redhawk Notes: SEMO OL coming along, boosting run game

When the Southeast Missouri State offensive line had to replace three starters this fall, veteran Redhawk coach Tom Matukewicz knew in training camp that getting that unit to reach its potential was a process, not something instantaneous.

“Eventually,” Matukewicz said in camp, “I believe that we will have a good offensive line. But I also think that it is going to take us three or four weeks.”

SEMO (1-4, 1-0 Big South/OVC) will host a much-improved Eastern Illinois (4-2, 0-1) team today at 2 p.m. (ESPN+).

The coach has been prescient with his assessment, because the unit has gotten better each week, and that was evident in the Redhawks’ run game last week at Central Arkansas.

After gaining a combined 150 yards in losses to Southern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky, SEMO bounced back with 153 yards rushing against Central Arkansas.

“It was good to see,” Matukewicz said of his team’s run game following the loss to the Bears. “I thought that our offensive line played better.”

SEMO All-American running back Geno Hess averaged over 140 yards per game a year ago but has been limited to just 75 yards per game this season. He broke the 100-yard barrier against Central Arkansas for the first time in three games by gaining 122 yards.

Some changes, but not major ones

Despite his never having experienced anything like the last three games, where his team has blown double-digit leads in the final quarter, in losses to Southern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, and Central Arkansas, Matukewicz isn’t overreacting with a horde of changes in personnel, scheme or coaching responsibilities.

“There are some things,” Matukewicz said that his program is going to alter. “Schematically, we need to lower the rep count with the (defensive backs), so that they are fresher in the fourth quarter.”

He also cited that his team is changing its nutrition plan at halftime, in which the amount of sugar intake will be lowered, as well as they have made changes in the SEMO warm-up routine post halftime.

Matukewicz answered with an emphatic “No,” when asked if he would be taking on a bigger coaching role, given how poor the Redhawk defense has performed this season, and his background on that side of the ball.

Riddick rising

If you scan the two-deep depth chart for the Redhawk defense, you won’t see the name of sophomore defensive back Khalani Riddick listed. However, if you watch the game, you’ll certainly see number 18 making plays.

“I’m a big fan of Kahlani (who Matukewicz said goes by ‘Tiko’),” Matukewicz said.

When SEMO lost defensive back Tyler Nelome to Kansas State late in May, the SEMO coaches scrambled to find an athlete who could fill that void.

Matukewicz explained that Redhawk cornerback coach Jo Jackson discovered Riddick at Sacramento (Calif.) City College, but he had to convince Matukewicz to take Riddick.

“My coaches know,” Matukewicz said, “when they bring in a guy from California, I’m going to be, like, ‘C’mon now.’

“But Kahlani kept checking all of the boxes.”

Riddick has played in all five games and made 14 tackles. The 6-foot, 195-pound athlete even returned a punt 26 yards.

“He has ended up being a good fit,” Matukewicz said. “He’s gotten more playing time. (Early) He didn’t play as well as he had hoped, but there were some things there that we liked, so I think he will continue to improve.”