SE must upgrade play against Salukis

There is an old saying that a football team improves the most between the first and second game of the season. I certainly hope that is true because we have a lot of improving to do.

I know we have better players than we have had in our first two years at Southeast, but the question is: Are we a better team? It takes more than just good players to have a good team.

Our emphasis this week is on coming together as a team. I told the team we have no excuses. It is time to put up or shut up. We have to become more consistent in order to become a better team.

Arkansas-Monticello had a good football team, but we gave them way too much help. In the past we would have found a way to lose that game, but this year's team found a way to win and that is very positive.

In key special teams situations we put our best 11 football players on the field and try to make a big play. After UAM scored in the second overtime we needed a blocked extra point and we got it. Then the offense scored and Derek Kutz kicked the extra point for a 42-41 victory.

Southern Illinois got off to a great start beating Kentucky Wesleyan 78-0. The Salukis allowed only 24 yards in total offense and scored at will. We will have to play well Saturday night in order to earn our third straight win over SIU.

This is a regional rivalry that is a lot like the Missouri vs. Illinois game last week. This game is for bragging rights and the winner will have an advantage in recruiting the St. Louis area. It has all the ingredients to be a great football game. I hope many of you will make the 45-minute drive to Carbondale to help us out on Saturday night.

Last Thursday, SIU had over 12,00 fans at their game while we had just over 6,000 for our season opener. The Salukis are getting great support and there should be a great atmosphere on Saturday night. We need to have a lot of people wearing red in the stands!

Jeromy McDowell injured his knee in practice on Monday and had an MRI performed on Wednesday. Results of the test are expected today. Jack Tomco will probably be our starter at quarterback, but I also hope to be able to use Jeff East in the game. They both bring something different to the game and I feel confident with either player.

If we have a big improvement this week we will have an opportunity to win. If we continue to be inconsistent we could be embarrassed. Although it is early in the season and this is a non-conference game, it is a very big game.

A win on Saturday would give us our first 2-0 start since the 1990 season. We have never started 2-0 since moving to Division I-AA. We have better players and now we must become a better team. The time is now. I hope I'll see you in Carbondale on Saturday night!

Tim Billings is the head football coach at Southeast Missouri State University.