ISU opens home slate with optimism

By Todd Golden
The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE September 26, 2008 11:59 pm

— When one observes Southeast Missouri State’s statistics from the standpoint of what Indiana State’s football might be able to exploit, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest the Sycamores might have a shot to win its first game in the Trent Miles era when ISU opens its home slate against the RedHawks at noon today at Memorial Stadium.
To wit:
• Opponents have averaged 38.5 points per game against the RedHawks and SEMO has conceded 464.5 total yards per game, including 5.7 rushing yards per carry.
• SEMO has not scored a first quarter point all season and has been outscored 97-20 in the first half in four games.
• ISU nearly beat the RedHawks at SEMO’s place last season, falling 13-10 in then-coach Lou West’s penultimate game.
The statistical breakdown is not likely to be in ISU’s favor to the degree it could be for today’s game for the rest of the season.
Then again, there’s just one statistic on the bad side of the Sycamores’ ledger that illustrates why SEMO’s stats might not matter … ISU owns the nation’s longest losing streak at 17 games.
With ISU’s conference slate looming after the SEMO game — ISU has not won a conference game since 2004 — does ISU approach today’s game as if it’s a must-win?
“People say it’s a game we should win, I’ll leave it up to the media to decide that. I think as a team, we think we should win every game,” ISU wide receiver Ryan Patrick said. “I think we put pressure on ourselves to win every game. We’ve played some tough Division I teams, but they have some playmakers too. On film, we think we match-up with them OK, we’ll see what happens.”
Miles disagreed with the notion that any game is a must-win game unless a team is facing the end of its season as a result of a loss.
“There’s no such thing as a must-win game, unless that one game ends the season. I’m never going to approach the fourth game of the season in this type of atmosphere where we’re working to get better, when we’re a project under construction, so I’m never going to say that this is a must-win football game,” Miles said.
ISU running back Darrius Gates wouldn’t characterize today’s game as a must-win either, but acknowledged that ISU needs a win to have something to show for the improvements the Sycamores believe they’ve made this season.
“We need a win. A win would be big for the program and we need to win it. We’re just focusing on getting the little things right so we can avoid the mistakes that have hurt us so far this season,” Gates said. “Every week is a must-win. We know they’re a good team and we have to come in and play hard.”
The aforementioned SEMO statistics paint a negative picture, but the RedHawks have done plenty right this season too. Quarterback Houston Lillard has been efficient, completing 95 of 157 passes for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s no mean feat considering the RedHawks — who generally prefer the run — have been forced into passing situations given their early deficits. His primary targets have been receivers Walter Peoples (24 catches, 242 yards), Brad Stewart (20, 243) and Michael Williamson (19, 216).
On the defensive side, middle linebacker Nick Stauffer stands out for SEMO. The senior has 50 tackles, almost double the total of any of his teammates, and his solo tackle total of 23 almost exceeds the combined tackle total of any other RedHawks. He also has four tackles for loss and two sacks.
ISU gets a boost on its defensive line as Kevin Wilson returns from a foot injury. All other starters who played in last week’s 48-3 loss at Northern Illinois should be in the lineup again today.
“It’s going to be a hard fought football game. They’re going to get a battle from us, but we’re going to get their best shot. This is two pretty equal football teams,” Miles said. “Let me re-state that. It’s not two equal football teams. They’ve won a game [35-28 in overtime over Southwest Baptist] and they beat us last year. We’ve got to prove to them we’re equal.”
The game features a homecoming for SEMO defensive coordinator and former ISU head coach Tim McGuire, who has been on the SEMO staff since 2006. SEMO center Ryan McGuire, a former Terre Haute North standout and ISU starter prior to his transfer, also returns to Terre Haute.