Southeast's offensive production fell off last season

After posting almost cartoon-like numbers in 2002, Southeast Missouri State University's offense took a step backward last season.

But Indians coach Tim Billings and new offensive coordinator Rob Likens expect the attack to at least approach clicking on all cylinders again this year.

"I think we'll be able to score some points," Billings said. "I look for us to get back to more of the way we were in 2002."

Two years ago, the Indians' offense set 28 school records while averaging 447 yards and 34.7 points per game -- figures that ranked seventh nationally among NCAA Division I-AA programs.

It's not like Southeast's attack totally shut down last season; the Indians' averaged a healthy 381.9 yards per game. But they had all kinds of trouble scoring when getting close to the goal line, the result being an output of only 21.8 points per contest.

"That was probably the biggest difference last year," Billings said. "We moved the ball up and down the field, but we just had trouble putting it in the end zone."

Said Likens, whose unit returns seven starters, "I saw what they did here two years ago and that's what we're hoping to get back to. I think we've got a good chance to do that."

A position-by-position look at Southeast's offense:

Quarterback

Senior Andrew Goodenough, a strong-armed and mobile transfer from Arizona State, moved into the starting role late last season and finished by completing 27 of 45 passes for 407 yards in the season-ending loss to OVC champion Jacksonville State.

For the season, Goodenough was 71-for-116 for 906 yards, with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

"I was impressed with Andrew during spring drills," Likens said. "I think he has the potential to have a very big season."

Billings said it will be important to solidify the backup quarterback position and he believes junior college transfer Mike Haley, who went through spring practice, should be able to do that.

Running back

The Indians ranked seventh among nine OVC teams in rushing offense last year with a little more than 116 yards per game, but the attack gained steam after Jamel Oliver was moved to the backfield from wide receiver in the fifth game of the season.

Oliver, a speedy junior, ended as Southeast's leading rusher with 619 yards -- he averaged a solid 4.7 yards per carry -- and ripped off a season-best run of 82 yards. He also was the squad's second-leading receiver with 41 catches for a 12.7-yard average. All told, Oliver scored 11 touchdowns.

Senior David Taufoou got off to a strong start but then was hobbled by a knee injury most of the season. He gained 240 yards and averaged four yards per attempt.

Southeast also plans to give junior college transfers Lawrence Letuli and John Radney some time, and sophomore Elton Peterson -- who received limited playing time as a true freshman last year -- also is in the mix.

When the Indians employ a fullback -- which isn't all that often -- they can turn to former Anna-Jonesboro (Ill.) High School star Adam Casper, a redshirt freshman.

"Jamel is our main guy, but David is a good runner and Elton will help us. We also feel good about Lawrence and John," Likens said.

Wide receiver

One of the deepest positions on the team, although Likens said the emergence of a dominant receiver will be vital to the offense.

The unit also received two blows during the summer. First, sure-handed senior Chris NesSmith suffered a second serious knee injury and is likely done playing this position, although he still might be the squad's holder. NesSmith caught 39 passes last year.

In addition, Anthony Gilliam, who caught 31 passes for a 13.5-yard average last year, decided to transfer.

Still, Likens likes this group. Junior T.J. Milcic caught 20 passes for a 14.6-yard average last season while sophomore Antonio Scaife (6 catches, 7.7-yard average) showed plenty of promise as a true freshman. Scaife also led the Indians in punt returns (12.7-yard average) and kickoff returns (19.7-yard average).

The Indians will be counting heavily on two junior transfers who figure to start. Brian Matthews came in from East Tennessee State after that school dropped football, and Oge Oge is from the junior college ranks.

In addition, junior Bill Coleman returns after being academically ineligible last season following a freshman campaign that saw him catch 32 passes.

Southeast is also high on sophomore Nikelya Dennis, who saw limited action as a true freshman last year while being plagued by injuries, and redshirt freshman Scott NesSmith, the younger brother of Chris.

"I don't know that we'll have a real go-to receiver, but I think we have a number of talented receivers, five or six who can get the job done," Likens said.

Tight end

Southeast should have few problems at this position as senior Ray Goodson, a former Jackson High School standout, returns following a junior season that saw him catch a team-high 66 passes for a 9.4-yard average and earn All-American honors. He was also first-team all-OVC.

More of a receiver than a blocker in the Indians' wide-open attack, Goodson often lines up at various positions on the field to take advantage of his impressive athletic ability.

"We'll get the ball to Ray a lot," Likens said. "He's a great athlete at that position."

The Indians also like the potential of redshirt freshman Joseph Tunieau.

"Tight end should be a strength for us," Likens said.

Line

Even though All-American center Eugene Amano completed his eligibility and went to the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the NFL draft, Likens considers this area to perhaps be the strength of the offense.

All-American guard Dan Bieg and tackle Dan Connolly -- both entering their fourth season at starters -- headline a unit that averages nearly 300 pounds per man. Bieg was first-team all-OVC last year while Connolly made the second team.

Sophomore guard Austin Russell is another returning regular while sophomore John Ball -- the two were high school teammates in Texas -- will take over for Amano at center. Both showed plenty of promise last year as true freshmen.

Rounding out the starting lineup will be senior tackle Caleb Daniel, a Jackson High School product who made a smooth transition from the defensive line during spring drills.

Depth is a concern since there are not many other available linemen past the starters. Still, Likens said, "I think the offensive line is the strength of our offense. It all starts up front and if they play well like we expect, then I think our offense can be very good."

Kicker

Senior Derek Kutz, a former St. Vincent High School star, enters his fourth season as the Indians' regular kicker after making first-team all-OVC last year.

As a junior, Kutz was perfect on 30 extra points and he made 15 of 21 field-goal attempts to lead Southeast in scoring with 75 points. For his career, Kutz is 30 of 43 on field goals.

"Derek is the best kicker in the league and it's great to have a weapon like that," Billings said.