TIME TO HEAL: INDIANS USE BYE WEEK TO DEAL WITH HARD LOSS

Considering the kind of loss Southeast Missouri State University's football team suffered Saturday, head coach John Mumford figures this week's open date is coming at just the right time.

During his weekly media conference Monday, Mumford said he was still feeling the effects of the stunning 17-14 homecoming loss to Tennessee Tech. The Indians appeared to have the game in control, but the Eagles scored a touchdown on a blocked punt with less than three minutes left.

"It was a tough one," said Mumford. "I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not back to myself, but I'm better than I was (after the game and on Sunday).

"I'm hoping the week off will let us get over it. I think the week off comes at a timely fashion, not just to kind of heal from the game but also to freshen up and get our legs back."

Mumford is also hoping that the Indians can take the positives from Saturday's game and use them to their advatage. Two upbeat aspects were the fact the defense continued to shine and the offense moved the ball well in the second half against the Ohio Valley Conference's top-ranked defense.

"We ought to have some new enthusiasm, based on what our offense did," he said. "We moved the so-called No. 1 defense in the OVC all over the field in the second half. I hope that gives us the confidence that we can move the ball on people."

The Indians are 2-4 overall and 1-3 in the OVC with five games left in the season. They'll return to action Oct. 25 with a game at Middle Tennessee State.

Mumford is giving his players several days off from practice, with workouts resuming Thursday. His assistant coaches have fanned out to recruit for a few days.

"It's probably good to get away for a few days, then we can start building toward Middle Tennessee," said Mumford. "I'm sure they'll be talking about how they gave one away last year, but it was a great win for us. And we're a different team than last year."

Southeast recorded its first-ever victory over MTSU last season, winning 16-13 in overtime at Houck Stadium. The Indians rallied from a 13-0 deficit.

MTSU is 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the OVC heading into a Saturday game at Eastern Illinois.

"They'll be a good football team, although their record doesn't indicate it," Mumford said. "They've got a lot of young players and they've got a new offensive staff, so they're going through a lot of the things we are."

The Indians need to win four of their last five games to finish with a winning record.

"These next five games are critical," said Mumford. "I really felt we had a seven-to-nine-win team this year. I still feel that way."

Southeast would have to go 5-0 the rest of the way to finish at 7-4. Although three of the Indians' toughest foes -- Eastern Illinois, Murray State and Tennessee Tech -- are already behind them, they still will face plenty of competition in the likes of Middle Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee State and Southern Illinois.

* After holding Tennessee Tech to only 63 yards rushing and 215 total yards, Southeast's defense now ranks 18th nationally and third in the OVC at 274.2 yards per game.

"Our defense continues to play well," said Mumford.

* Angel Rubio is second in the OVC in both tackles (68) and tackles for loss (11). He has three quarterback sacks to tie for team-leading honors with fellow defensive linemen Marcus McClellan and Curtis Holman.

Linebacker Zuri Buchanan is third in the OVC with 59 tackles.

Cornerback Fred Hambrick continues to be tied for second in the OVC with three interceptions while lineman Damon Hendrick continues to lead the league with three fumble recoveries.

Offensively, wide receiver Dante Bryant is fourth in the league in receptions per game as he has caught 26 passes.

Punter Justin Terrill continues to lead the OVC and has moved up to sixth in the nation by averaging 44.6 yards per boot. He had nine punts for a 48.9-yard average against Tennessee Tech.

* On the injury front, offensive guard James Williams sprained an ankle and wide receiver Marcus McKinley suffered bruised ribs Saturday, but both are probable for MTSU.

Tailback Riki Smith, who has missed two games with a hip injury, and linebacker Octavio Campos, who missed Saturday with a hand injury, should be ready for MTSU.

Defensive lineman Brad Richardson will still be doubtful with strained knee ligaments suffered two weeks ago.