Facing a winless team, the Southeast Missouri State football team wanted to get off to a fast start. The Redhawks did exactly that, scoring a touchdown on the opening possession and taking a 14-point lead within the first five minutes.
SEMO didn't let up, either. With nearly nine minutes to go until halftime, SEMO had scored an offensive, defensive and special teams touchdown and led by 32 points.
That strong start and a historic scoring performance propelled the Redhawks to their first Ohio Valley Conference win as they defeated Tennessee Tech 70-38 on Saturday in Cookeville, Tennessee. It's the most points SEMO (3-2, 1-1 OVC) has ever scored against a Division I opponent.
The victory also snapped a five-game losing streak at Tucker Stadium, a run that dated back to 2003.
Coming off his worst performance of the season, quarterback Daniel Santacaterina delivered a stellar bounce back performance, tossing four touchdowns. He completed 20 of 27 passes for 395 yards and no interceptions after throwing four picks in a 23-14 loss to Eastern Kentucky two weeks ago. Those 395 passing yards is the third-highest single-game mark in program history. Fourth on that list is Jeromy McDowell, currently SEMO's first-year offensive coordinator.
A bye last week meant the Northern Illinois transfer had an extended break to digest the EKU game and work on his mechanics. He was solid from the onset, going 4 of 6 on the first drive for 81 yards and capping it off with a 6-yard touchdown toss to Kristian Wilkerson.
The defense kept the momentum going with a stop, and Aaron Alston blocked the ensuing punt. Taylen Waller recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead four minutes, 30 seconds into the game.
A TTU three-and-out followed, and SEMO drove down the field to take a 21-0 lead. Freshman running back Zion Custis scored on a 24-yard run. He finished with 11 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Mark Robinson had a team-high 75 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries.