TRIBE KNOWS TOUGHER TEST AHEAD IN EIU

It's one thing to roll up a 42-7 win over Tennessee-Martin.

It's another matter to try and knock off Eastern Illinois.

Southeast Missouri State University football coach John Mumford realizes the difference. He also realizes the challenge awaiting his team this week.

The Indians are in the process of getting ready to face nationally-ranked and preseason Ohio Valley Conference favorite EIU in a 5 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Houck Stadium. The game is part of Family Weekend activities at Southeast and a concert by the Village People will follow the contest.

"I have no comment on the Village People," quipped Mumford during Monday's weekly media conference.

But Mumford did have plenty to say about the Panthers, who are 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the OVC. Southeast improved to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in league play after Saturday's 42-7 romp at Tennessee-Martin.

"Eastern Illinois is rock solid," said Mumford. "It's going to be a tremendous challenge for our football team."

At least the Indians will be facing the Panthers -- who routed Southeast 41-21 at Houck last season -- armed with plenty of momentum after their biggest margin of victory since joining the Division I-AA ranks in 1991.

"It was a good win and we needed it," Mumford said. "It was kind of a coming out for our offense. We racked up some points.

"Our offensive line blocked better. The technique was better. Our running backs ran hard. Our pass protection was good and (quarterback) Justin Martini threw the ball well. That should be a lot of confidence for him."

Defensively, the OVC's second-ranked overall unit continued to shine.

"Our defense was very active and did a great job," said Mumford. "Marcus McClellan and Zuri Buchanan had big games. Marcus basically dismembered their quarterback."

McClellan's jolting sack of UTM quarterback Brock Bailey knocked the freshman out of the game for good early in the second half.

Mumford said the Indians' defense will be severely tested against EIU. The Panthers lead the OVC in rushing and they racked up 373 yards on the ground against Southeast last year.

"This will be our biggest defensive challenge of the year," he said. "We will have to rise to the occasion."

* Southeast came out of the UTM game with only a few minor injuries.

Running back K.D. Koleosho has bruised rubs and fullback Britt Mirgaux has a bruised thigh, but both should be fine for EIU.

"We're in pretty good shape injury-wise," said Mumford.

* The Indians' defense that limited UTM to just 24 yards rushing is tops in the OVC vs. the rush and ranks 17th nationally by allowing only 74.3 yards per game on the ground.

Southeast is third in the OVC and 31st nationally in pass defense and is second in the OVC and 22nd nationally in total defense, allowing 250.8 yards per game.

* Preseason All-American defensive lineman Angel Rubio is living up to his billing with 46 tackles, 11 tackles for losses of 23 yards and two sacks. Rubio leads the OVC in tackles for losses and is second in total tackles.

Fred Hambrick had his third interception of the season against UTM, tying him for first in the OVC.

Justin Terrill continues to lead the OVC in punting with 42.5 yards per boot, which ranks him 13th nationally.

Defensive lineman Damon Hendrick leads the OVC in fumble recoveries with three.

Dante Bryant, with 19 catches, is third in the OVC in receptions per game and he ranks fifth in the league in receiving yards per game.