GAME 10: SBU BEARCATS (7-2)
vs #10 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REDHAWKS (8-1)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 • 1:00 PM
HOUCK STADIUM • CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
RADIO: KBFL 99.9 FM (Josh Thompson, play-by-play)


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GAME NOTES: SBU | SEMO

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- Just one more win will give the SBU Bearcats the best record in program history. It won't come easy, however, as this week the Bearcats step up into Division I territory as they face the tenth-ranked Southeast Missouri Redhawks.

The Bearcats continue to be one of the highest-powered offenses in the nation, posting an average of 553 yards of total offense per game, the second-highest average in all divisions of the NCAA; the Bearcats trail only D-1 Oregon in total offensive output.

All-American candidate Steven Gachette is looking to break some of his own single-season records in the final two games of the year. With six more touchdown passes, Gachette will tie his mark of 28 touchdowns from last year. Earlier this season, Gachette became just the fourth player in Divsion II history to record 2,500 yards of total offense in each of his four seasons. The senior quarterback is also just the second player to ever gain 2,000 yards rushing and 10,000 yards passing in his career.

After seeing his streak of seven straight games with a touchdown catch end against Central State, junior wideout Charles Johnson responded with one of his best performances in a Bearcat uniform. Johnson made a career-high 11 catches for 216 yards, just 12 yards shy of the SBU single-game record. Johnson's three touchdowns tied the school record, a mark which he set last season against Northeastern State, and that D.A. Allen tied this year against Lincoln. Johnson currently ranks 7th in the nation with 116 receiving yards per game. Allen isn't far behind; the senior ranks 36th nationally with 89.1 yards per game.

The SBU defense continues to get to the opposing quarterback, as the 'Cats racked up six sacks against the Pumas last week. Defensive ends Casey Smith and Will Ramirez, Jr. both are 24th and 32nd nationally, with 7.5 and 7 sacks, respectively. Linebacker Shaquille Shedd's 10.4 tackles per game is 12th-best in the country.

One big way the offense has been supported this season is through the Bearcats' special teams play. Punt returner Chris Muhammad is averaging 20.4 yards per return, the second-best average in the nation, and tops among independant schools. Muhammad has two punts returned for touchdowns, and had a 103-yard fumble return for a touchdown last week against St. Joseph's.

THE COACHES AND THE ALL-TIME SERIES
Keith Allen has already engineered a significant turnaround at SBU, moving the 'Cats from 0-11 his first year as interim coach, to 5-6 in 2008, to the winning record of 6-5 in 2009. Allen served as defensive and recruiting coordinator before being named SBU head coach in 2007. His past coaching experience has included stops at San Jose State, Quincy, TCU and Oklahoma.

Tony Samuel is in his fourth season at Southeast Missouri, where he had led the Redhawks to a #10 national ranking, the highest in the school's history.

Southeast Missouri holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series with SBU, dating back to 1987. In 2008, SBU took the Redhawks to overtime, but ultimately fell, 35-28. The Bearcats have yet to win in Cape Girardeau.

SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS
The Redhawks have had a similar story to SBU's this year; Southeast Missouri are riding an eight-game winning streak, and with one more win, will post the best record in school history. Senior running back Henry Harris leads the offense, averaging 133 yards on the ground per game, fourth-best in NCAA Division I-FCS. Harris has 14 touchdowns over nine games this year, and is ranked 9th in the country in scoring (9.33 points per game).

The Redhawk defense will give SBU a challenge, allowing just 295 yards per game, 17th in Division I-FCS. Their +11 turnover margin is 6th best in the country, due to 15 interceptions on the year. Tylor Brock leads the team with five picks, including one pick-six.