An increased talent level that has upgraded team speed considerably and a favorable schedule that features seven home games has Southeast Missouri State University's football Indians thinking big things for the 1997 season.

Despite a 3-8 record last year and a preseason ranking of seventh in the eight-team Ohio Valley Conference, Southeast head coach John Mumford sees no reason why the Indians can't challenge for the OVC title.

"The thing I've seen from this group, and it started in the spring, is they firmly believe they can win every game," said Mumford. "Our goal is to win every game.

"There is no doubt we've got a lot better talent than we've had the past several years. I think we've upgraded our talent level at every position. Now it's up to us as coaches to put the players in the right spots on the field."

The Indians have completed their two weeks of two-a-day practices. They'll begin working out once daily when school begins Monday as they prepare for Saturday's 7 p.m. season opener against visiting Lambuth.

Fourteen returning starters coupled with seven transfers from NCAA Division I-A schools and several key junior-college recruits have the Indians thinking big things.

According to Mumford, it all starts with the defense, which was solid last year but simply got worn down by an ineffective offense that never gained more yards than the opposition in any of the 11 games. Six starters return on defense and several of the key transfers are also on that side of the ball.

"The difference you will see in our defense as compared to last year is team speed," said Southeast defensive coordinator Charles Sabbatini.

Up front, the Indians return preseason All-America Angel Rubio and fellow preseason All-OVC pick Troy Baglio along with Jonathan Robinson and Brad Richardson, who both saw extensive action last year. Rubio and Baglio were the top two tacklers among linemen last year, with 103 and 83 stops, respectively, while Robinson (43) and Richardson (30) were third and fourth on the list.

Several other returners and newcomers are also expected to contribute heavily, including Damon Hendrick, Bryan Walker, Curtis Holman, late juco pickup Marcus McClellan and Texas A&M transfer Jason Justice.

The linebackers were the hardest hit by graduation, but Florida transfer Zuri Buchanan and Oklahoma transfer Chris Justice have stepped in to solidify the position. Listed as the third starter is Cape Central product Gabe Jenkins, who was moved from fullback in the spring and has looked good.

Another local product, Steve Ledbetter (Charleston), will push for playing time at linebacker while projected starter Terrance Sterling (Cape Central) has been out with a leg injury. Returner David Bowling and several juco transfers are also in the picture, including John Capriola, Octavio Campos and Kevin Meachem.

Like the line, the secondary is also a veteran group, led by returning starters Ronnie Smith, Fred Hambrick and Willie Davis. They'll be joined by Joe Williams. Smith is the team's top overall returning tackler with 111 stops.

Adding depth to the secondary are experienced players Andrew Joyce, Michael Reece and Allen Byrd, along with Virginia Tech transfer Aaron Layne, John Smith (Jackson), Scott Vieluf and freshman Isaac Powell.

Offensively, where Southeast also has six returning starters under the direction of new coordinator Steve Schottel, Indian fans have their eyes on Southern Mississippi transfer Heath Graham. He passed for more than 4,000 yards as the Eagles' starter for 2 1/2 seasons, although he was bothered by a sore arm during early practices at Southeast.

But Mumford has said that returning quarterback Justin Martini, who struggled behind a porous offensive line last year, has progressed and won't give up his job easily. Martini completed just 44 percent of his passes for 1,225 yards last year.

Fullback Britt Mirgaux (Scott City) returns as last year's leading rusher after a strong season that saw him gain 661 yards, but as a whole the Indians' running game struggled last season. Tailback Corey Williams, a juco All-American two years ago, is now healthy after missing last year with a knee injury.

Also at tailback, Riki Smith, who saw some action as a freshman in 1996, has been impressive in workouts while Oklahoma transfer David Koleosho should add some spark. Broderick Benson, who also saw some action as a freshman last year, adds depth at fullback.

Heading up the receiving corps is Dante Bryant, who caught 25 passes for 357 yards in '96, and Jeff Shaw, who had 18 receptions last year. Diandrai Webb (Cape Central), speedy Missouri transfer Leslie Weaver and juco product Marcus McKinley are additional weapons.

At tight end, All-OVC pick Mitch Fryer is back after catching 25 passes for 324 yards last year. John Borne added 15 receptions from that position.

Up front, several large juco recruits -- including 300-pounders Jessie Eaton, Carlos DeJesus and Paul Haloholo -- are being counted on to improve things considerably. Eaton and DeJesus are penciled in as starters, along with James Williams, Ian Walters and Chris Kiefer (Perryville).

Among several players adding depth are Dan Clauss, Joel Becker, Patrick Sullivan and Chad King (Fredericktown).

The kicking game returns both regulars, punter Justin Terrill and place-kicker Eric Warren (Perryville). Warren was seven of nine on field goals last year.

1997 SEMO Football Schedule

(Home games in capital letters)

Aug. 30 -- LAMBUTH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 -- ILLINOIS STATE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 -- at Murray State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 -- at Tennessee-Martin, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 -- EASTERN ILLINOIS, 5 p.m.

Oct. 11 -- TENNESSEE TECH, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 -- at Middle Tennessee, 2 p.m.

Nov. 1 -- at Austin Peay, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 -- EASTERN KENTUCKY, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 -- SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 -- TENNESSEE STATE, 1 p.m.