On the scoreboard, visiting Southeast Missouri State claimed a 20-7 OVC football win over UTM last Saturday afternoon at Hardy Graham Stadium.

The Indians relied on a pair of field goals, a passing touchdown and a 2-yard run TD run from Jamel Oliver.

The Indians’ effort was just good enough to hold off the upstart Skyhawks who were in search of their second conference win of the season and their third victory in 10 games.

Ironically, SEMO opted to start quarterback Andrew Goodenough over senior Jack Tomco who re-wrote the SEMO passing record book last season with nine new school records. Goodenough and the Indians put up 10 first-quarter points and added to the lead late in the third quarter.

The Skyhawks had opportunities throughout the game to score, but came away empty until the fourth quarter when Taurean Stephens hauled in a 58-yard touchdown strike from sophomore quarterback Brady Wahlberg.

The Skyhawks took the opening kickoff and marched 52 yards on 12 plays in five minutes and came away empty.

“That drive set the tone for the whole game,” said Matt Griffin, UTM’s first-year head coach.

The Skyhawk offense marched up and down the field against SEMO and outgained the Indians 364-333. It’s the first time the Skyhawks have collected more offensive yardage than their foe in a conference game in several years.

Wahlberg completed 21-of-40 passes for 241 yards. While a corps of Skyhawk running backs collected 123 yards on 33 carries.

SEMO was led by Oliver with 12 carries for 53 yards. Goodenough completed 19-of-29 passes for 180 yards.

One of the biggest things that hurt the Skyhawks throughout the game was penalties. The Skyhawks were flagged 10 times for 79 yards.

“You can’t line up and make high school mistakes and get high school penalties,” Griffin said. “You will shoot yourself in the foot every time.”

The Skyhawks (2-8/1-5) return to OVC action tomorrow when they travel to Richmond, Ky. for a noon kickoff against Eastern Kentucky.