Redhawks to close book on Billings era at Tennessee Tech

~ Southeast will try to send its coach out with a victory.

Two football teams who have had disappointing seasons will try to finish up on a positive note today.

And one will look to send its departing coach out with a victory.

Southeast Missouri State will play its final game under Tim Billings today when the Redhawks (2-8, 2-5 Ohio Valley Conference) face Tennessee Tech (3-7, 2-5) in a 1 p.m. kickoff in Cookeville, Tenn.

Billings, in his sixth season at Southeast, announced his resignation Friday.

"This season has been a disappointment for us, and nothing's going to change that," Billings said. "But we've played a lot better the second half of the year, and to win the last two games would give these guys something to build on for next year."

After losing each of their first six games by at least 14 points, the Redhawks have gone 2-2 in their last four contests -- and the two defeats were by one and three points. They're coming off a 32-24 win over Tennessee State.

"We've been a good football team the last four games," Billings said. "I think we could play with anybody in the league right now. It's a shame we didn't start playing like this earlier."

Tech will try to end the season by winning two of its last three games.

"The disappointment we've had, it's probably not going to take that away," Eagles coach Mike Hennigan said. "But having something positive to build on would hopefully help us going into the offseason. It's important for us."

In addition to improving their play in recent weeks, both teams have another similarity in that they each feature a true freshman tailback in a leading role after those players were forced into prime action because of injuries.

Tim Holloman is Southeast's leading rusher with 629 yards and 10 touchdowns, including 579 yards and eight touchdowns over the last six games, during which he is averaging five yards per carry.

Cameron Kirnes is Tech's second-leading rusher with 404 yards -- he is averaging 5.2 yards per attempt -- and has consecutive 100-yard rushing performances, including 134 yards against Eastern Illinois' top-ranked OVC rush defense.

"Early in the year, they were throwing the ball a lot and had a lot of turnovers, then they decided they'd run the ball a little more, like us," Billings said. "They really resemble us. Their freshman running back is really good, just like Timmy is."

Southeast senior quarterback Mike Haley likely will reach a milestone today. He has thrown for 1,963 yards and figures to become just the seventh player in school history to crack 2,000 yards in a season.

If Haley passes for more than 165 yards, he will rank No. 5 on the program's single-season list.