Southeast Missouri State University's football team spent the first four weeks of the season playing games in the friendly confines of Houck Stadium.

This week, the Indians will get a chance to experience their first taste of the road.

The Indians, 2-2 overall and 1-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play after Saturday's 41-14 romp past Tennessee-Martin, will face a major challenge this Saturday when they take on Eastern Illinois. The kickoff in Charleston is set for 1:30 p.m.

"I think our players are really excited about this opportunity," said Southeast head coach John Mumford during his weekly media conference Monday morning. "Eastern Illinois is an excellent team, one of the favorites to win the OVC.

"But if you want to run with the big dogs, you need to get off the porch. We're ready to go howl."

EIU, ranked 24th nationally in Division I-AA, is 3-1 and 1-0 in the OVC after Saturday's 13-6 victory over Tennessee Tech.

The Panthers finished tied for second in the OVC last season and were picked second in this year's preseason conference poll.

"They're certainly one of the top teams in our league," Mumford said. "They have some weapons on offense and they're very strong on defense, probably more athletic than they've been in the past."

EIU's lone loss was a 48-0 road demolition at the hands of Division I-A Central Florida.

But the Panthers also own a victory over a I-A opponent, winning 13-10 at Northern Illinois two weeks ago.

Of hitting the road for the first time, Mumford said, "I think our players will react very well. This group is very focused and mature. The mark of a good team is how they do on the road."

After playing their first four games at home, the Indians will play five of their last seven games away from Houck Stadium.

* The Indians rolled up 499 yards and allowed only 139 yards during their dominating performance against Tennessee-Martin.

Mumford had special praise for Southeast's offensive line, led by tackle Carlos DeJesus.

"I thought our offensive line was awesome," he said. "Carlos was outstanding at the line of scrimmage and downfield. He played like a mad man. That was probably the best game of his career."

* Tailback Corey Williams, who scored four touchdowns against Tennessee-Martin and leads the OVC with nine TDs, is doubtful this week because of the dislocated elbow he suffered Saturday.

K.D. Koleosho is slated to start in place of Williams, with Riki Smith also seeing plenty of action. Freshman Mark Blissett out of Sikeston could also see some time at tailback.

Fullback Britt Mirgaux remains out with a knee injury suffered in the season opener. Broderick Benson has performed well in Mirgaux's absence.

* Linebacker Kevin Meachem, having a strong season, had six tackles, including one for a loss, against Tennessee-Martin.

Defensive end Brad Richardson had five tackles and redshirt freshman noseguard Jason DeWolf had five tackles, one for a loss.

Isaac Powell had his second interception of the season, which leads the team.

"Jason is really playing well for a redshirt freshman and Isaac continues to come up with big plays," said Mumford.

* Southeast ranks second in the OVC and 17th nationally in total defense, allowing 266.3 yards per game.

In pass defense, the Indians are second in the OVC and 16th nationally with a pass efficiency defense of 95.0.

Williams is seventh nationally in scoring with 54 points while Corey Chester leads the OVC and is eighth nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 33.4 yards per return.