Redhawks' schedule to ease up

Southeast Missouri State still has a chance at a solid football season, but losing its first two Ohio Valley Conference games will force the Redhawks to -- once again -- fight an uphill battle.

If there is a silver lining for the Redhawks following Saturday's 29-22 defeat at Tennessee-Martin, it's that they likely have faced two of the OVC's top teams, including Eastern Illinois.

On paper the schedule eases up a bit for the Redhawks (1-3, 0-2 OVC) the next few weeks as they appear to have winnable conference games at Tennessee State on Saturday, against Austin Peay on Oct. 10 and, following an open date, at Tennessee Tech on Oct. 24.

The Redhawks battled like crazy at Tennessee-Martin, but did not have enough to get over the hump.

I sure wouldn't write off Southeast's season yet, because the Redhawks appear to have plenty of high-character, hard-nosed players who won't give up without a fight.

Still, digging out of such an early hole won't be easy for a program that has experienced so little success over the years.

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I'd say Southeast is getting a pretty good deal by receiving $275,000 from Ball State for next year's season-opening football game, set for Sept. 2 in Muncie, Ind.

That's the same amount powerhouse Cincinnati paid Southeast for this season's 70-3 mauling.

Not that the Redhawks will beat Ball State, but you've sure got a better chance upsetting a Mid-American Conference team than a nationally ranked Big East Conference squad.

Ball State had a big 2008 season, winning its first 12 games before finishing up 12-2 after a loss in the GMAC Bowl.

But the Cardinals, hit hard by graduation, are off to a 0-4 start this year. That includes a 23-16 loss to Division I-AA New Hampshire.

Southeast is 0-6 against current MAC squads, but twice held late leads against Eastern Michigan when Tim Billings was the Redhawks' coach. Eastern Michigan rallied for wins in 2001 (16-12) and 2002 (35-32).

In 2011, Southeast's "money" game against Purdue of the Big Ten Conference calls for Southeast to receive $315,000, which would represent a school record. The previous high payday was $300,000 from Arkansas in 2006.

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Although there still will be plenty of season left, the OVC title might go a long way toward being decided Saturday in Charleston, Ill.

That's when Eastern Illinois welcomes Eastern Kentucky in a battle of 2-0 conference squads.

Two-time defending OVC champion Eastern Kentucky has won 21 of its past 22 OVC games.

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Here's wishing a speedy recovery to longtime Capahas manager Jess Bolen, who is having surgery this week.

Get well quick, Jess.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.