Sept. 18, 2005

Final Stats

Springfield, Mo. - Missouri State used a power running attack and a big play passing game to defeat Southeast Missouri State 45-21 in non-conference action.

The Bears, who had 496 yards in total offense including 238 yards rushing and 258 yards passing, used four touchdown passes to build up a 31-7 halftime lead.

Southeast had the early lead after Kellin White picked off a pass and returned the interception 64 yards for a touchdown to give the Redhawks their first lead of the season.

The Redhawks played even with the Bears in the second half. Junior quarterback Kevin Ballatore came off the bench to lead the offense to two long scoring drives and the defense stiffened.

Ballatore directed scoring drives of 64 and 85 yards with John Radney scoring on a nine-yard run and Ballatore threw an eight-yard scoring pass to Elton Peterson.

Southeast will host Jacksonville State in the Ohio Valley Conference opener on Saturday, 6 p.m., at Houck Stadium.