Southeast Missouri State is winning the game of turnovers

Southeast Missouri State football coach Tony Samuel naturally was disappointed with his team's four turnovers during Saturday's 30-18 win over Division II Mars Hill College in the Redhawks' home opener.

But the Redhawks were able to come away on the plus side of the turnover battle during their first victory. Mars Hill had six turnovers, including five interceptions.

That has been a positive theme of the early season for the Redhawks, who so far lead the Ohio Valley Conference and rank fourth nationally in turnover margin at plus five (nine gained and four lost).

The Redhawks came up with three turnovers and did not commit one during their opening 38-27 loss at Central Michigan.

"It's always important," Samuel said Monday. "You look at this last game -- if we don't match Mars Hills' turnovers we could have a problem."

Southeast receiver Spencer Davis tries to break free from Mars Hill defensive back Trey Clark during the Redhawks’ 30-18 win over the Lions on Saturday. (Adam Vogler)

Having a strong turnover margin doesn't guarantee success, but it certainly helps.

Southeast's historic 2010 season that featured the first OVC title and first playoff berth in program history saw the Redhawks lead the league and rank high nationally with a plus-13 turnover margin (29 gained, 16 lost).

The Redhawks finished in the middle of the pack in the conference with an even turnover margin (14 gained and lost) as they went 3-8 last season.

"Turnovers are huge for you or against you," Samuel said. "Protect the ball on offense. Go after the ball on defense."

Southeast hopes to continue winning the turnover battle Saturday when the Redhawks (1-1) visit regional rival Southern Illinois (0-2) for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

The Redhawks also hope to do a better job of protecting redshirt freshman quarterback Scott Lathrop, who has been sacked six times through two games.

Mars Hill put pressure on Lathrop much of the night and sacked him four times.

"We always have to work on that," said Samuel, whose defense has not recorded a sack of its own. "Our style is to have enough play action to keep pressure off the quarterback."

Southeast's most recent visit to Carbondale, Ill., in 2010, resulted in a 24-21 upset of the Salukis, who were playing just their second game at $25 million Saluki Stadium.

The Salukis, who got payback last year with a 38-10 romp in Cape Girardeau, are 0-2 for the first time since 2001. The program is coming off consecutive losing seasons after previously winning at least nine games for seven straight seasons.

Samuel regards SIU as a talented squad ready to break loose.

"It's going to be another challenge for us," Samuel said. "They're a very good football team."

Noteworthy

* Saturday's five interceptions for the Redhawks were their most in a game since the 1997 season.

The Redhawks' six interceptions on the season lead the OVC. Southeast had only four interceptions last year.

* Southeast's four turnovers all have come on fumbles. Lathrop has not thrown an interception.

* Tickets for Saturday's game are available at the Southeast athletics ticket office. Call 1-866-SEMO-TIK or visit GoSoutheast.com for more information.

Tickets are $20 each and will be good for seats located on the bleacher sideline in section 27 of Saluki Stadium.