SEMO BRACES FOR UTM's AIR ASSAULT

The air in Martin, Tenn., figures to be filled with footballs today when Southeast Missouri State University's Indians tangle with the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in a 2 p.m. kickoff.

UTM (4-3 overall, 3-2 Ohio Valley Conference) has adopted a new `West Coast Offense' that emphasizes a passing attack. The results have been staggering as the Skyhawks rank first in the OVC and fifth nationally in passing offense with 295.6 yards per game.

Quarterback Jeff McCrone, who originally signed with Florida State, has completed 136 of 204 passes for 1,560 yards and 13 touchdowns, with just three interceptions.

During a 38-15 loss at Eastern Kentucky last Saturday, McCrone was 40-for-58 for 336 yards and two TDs. The Skyhawks, who most of the time go with four wide receivers and just one running back, attempted just five running plays the entire contest.

"In one word, Tennessee-Martin is explosive," said Southeast coach John Mumford. "They have tremendous skill people offensively. Their quarterback is very good, with a strong arm, and they have some outstanding receivers who do a great job running after they catch the football."

Southeast (2-5 overall, 2-3 OVC) needs to win its last four games in order finish the season with a winning record. Mumford realizes today's contest presents an extremely difficult challenge.

"I look at Tennessee-Martin as being one of the top four teams in the conference, along with Murray State, Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee," Mumford said. "It's going to be a very tough ballgame for us. We're going to have to play extremely well."

While McCrone leads the OVC in passing and total offense, the Skyhawks also have the top two receivers in the league in Nikki Jackson and Lenny Harris, with 47 and 46 catches, respectively. Deumaine Reeder has added 25 receptions.

Defensively, Mumford said the Skyhawks are also solid as they feature a quick if somewhat smallish unit.

"Their defense is very quick," he said. "They really run to the football."

The Indians will be looking to bounce back from a dismal performance at Middle Tennessee State. The Raiders hammered the Tribe 42-0 last Saturday in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Southeast managed just 240 yards of total offense against the Raiders. The Indians will certainly have to pick up the pace offensively today in order to keep the ball away from the explosive Skyhawks.

"Our offense will have to do its job and score some points to keep our defense off the field," said Mumford.

UTM leads the overall series 6-4, but the teams have split the last four meetings. Southeast recorded a 10-0 victory last season in Cape Girardeau.

"Southeast Missouri has played very well in spurts," said UTM coach Don McLeary. "The Southeast game is a good rivalry and has always been a game that has been decided in the fourth quarter."

McLeary and Mumford served together as assistant coaches at Kansas in 1980 and 1981.

Following today's game, the Indians will close out the season with three straight home contest. Southeast plays Morehead State Nov. 4, Southwest Missouri State Nov. 11 and Tennessee State Nov. 18.

SEMO vs. Tennessee-Martin

Today, 2 p.m., Martin, Tenn.

Radio: K-103 FM

Series Record: UTM leads 6-4

1995 Records: SEMO 2-5 (2-3 OVC), UTM 4-3 (3-2 OVC)

1994 Records: SEMO 7-5 (5-3 OVC), UTM 5-6 (2-6 OVC)

Probable Starters

SEMO Offense

TE - Matt Beard 6-4 220 Sr.

LT - Scott Davis 6-4 270 So.

LG - Jeff Rehberger 6-4 271 Sr.

C - Durand Frierson 6-3 260 Jr.

RG - Tim Morgan 6-3 250 So.

RT - Mike Nielson 6-2 285 Jr.

WR - Jon Riley 6-2 185 Jr.

WR - Renaldo Lampkins 6-0 181 Sr.

QB - Shane Kennedy 6-3 200 Sr.

TB - Dione Tyler 5-9 180 Sr.

FB - Stanley Parker 6-0 210 Sr.

PK - Eric Warren 5-7 188 So.

SEMO Defense

DL - Brandon Elias 6-5 255 Jr.

DL - Albert Bateman 6-4 261 Sr.

DL - Troy Baglio 6-1 280 Fr.

DL - Tyrone Rigney 6-3 220 Jr.

LB - Robert Haggerty 6-1 215 So.

LB - Rodney London 6-0 205 Fr.

LB - Steve Ledbetter 6-1 215 So.

CB - Marquis Walker 5-11 175 Sr.

CB - Ronald Smith 5-9 180 So.

FS - Greg Klund 5-11 170 Jr.

SS - Frank Russell 5-11 190 Sr.

P - Justin Terrill 6-2 175 So.

UTM Defense

DL - Antonio Strobridge 5-11 220 So.

DL - Kevin Mawyer 6-5 255 Jr.

DL - Brad Godwin 6-1 280 Sr.

DL - Lashone Brown 5-11 195 Sr.

LB - Carlton Sisco 5-11 214 Jr.

LB - Chris Marlow 5-11 220 Jr.

LB - Craig Reynolds 5-11 190 Sr.

CB - James Brown 5-10 165 Sr.

CB - Fred Thomas 5-11 175 Sr.

FS - Remondia Weems 6-1 185 Jr.

SS - Preston Jones 6-0 200 Sr.

P - Les Stuart 6-1 190 Jr.

UTM Offense

WR - Chad Brewer 6-4 215 Jr.

WR - Lenny Harris 5-11 160 Jr.

LT - Richard Coure 6-6 250 So.

LG - Bryon Kimbrew 6-3 305 Sr.

C - Will Woody 6-0 265 Jr.

RG - Jason Lawrence 6-4 245 Jr.

RT - Brent Luttrell 6-7 320 Sr.

WR - Maurice Blakemore 5-8 175 Sr.

WR - Nikki Jackson 6-2 210 Jr.

QB - Jeff McCrone 6-2 200 Jr.

FB - Brent Hambrick 6-0 210 Fr.

PK - J.J. Brown 6-0 190 Fr.