Mallory expects Redhawks defense to pose big challenge in ISU's opener

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Week 1 is here for the Indiana State football team as the Sycamores will look to keep the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks flightless Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff is slated for 6 o'clock.

SEMO coach Thomas Matukewicz said he has a lot of respect for ISU coach Curt Mallory and his program.

"He's been there quite a while and they've been knocking on the door a bunch," Matukewicz said. "Had some really quality wins, had some tough injuries like we had a year ago, so this is just an exciting season opener."

He wouldn't give away any strategy secrets for Saturday, but he did say he wants his players to focus primarily on themselves. Some key players mentioned by Matukewicz are junior running back Payton Brown, senior quarterback Braylen Ragland and junior quarterback Johnny Weber. But he said he felt like they were going to go with Ragland on Saturday, but fans could see Weber as well.

Mallory said he really likes Ragland and is a tremendous athlete with a tremendous arm. He said they have two really good quarterbacks and will have to be prepared for both.

While not giving away any secrets, Matukewicz mentioned keeping control of certain aspects.

"I think you know the pre-snap penalties, those are the things that just kill drives and those type of things," Matukewicz said. "You certainly don't want to turn it over, and those are those are things we certainly keep control of and working hard on that."

He said with as many new starters as they have, those aspects are certainly a concern.

After the Sycamores' practice Tuesday, Mallory said quarterback Elijah Owens has been making great decisions in the pocket.

"Just really pleased with the way he's come on here not only after the season, but all off-season, all summer and throughout camp," Mallory said.

Regarding Louisville transfer QB Brady Allen goes, Mallory said he's had a great camp and will be ready to go if called upon.

The Redhawks are no easy task either as they received votes for the FCS polls. Mallory said he has a lot of respect for Matukwiecz. He also noted that the Redhawks have a strong defense and are big up front as he said that's where their experience is.

"They're really good at the offensive line," Mallory added. "We have a heck of a challenge coming in here on Saturday."

He said the Redhawks are also good at running the football and have physical backs.

"They have good skill, defensively they cause you a lot of problems," Mallory said. "They play an eight man front, load the box and do a great job with their defensive scheme."

Because of their strong defense, Mallory said the Sycamores' offense will have to see what's working and have to get something going.

"Biggest thing we have to be able to do is get a first down and get it going," he explained. "If we do that, we'll get rolling."

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