Inside SEMO's Winning Formula: A statistical breakdown of Redhawk's football

After a Homecoming win in front of a record-breaking crowd, SEMO football improved its record to an impressive 8-1 overall record, remaining undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play at 5-0. The Redhawks now shift their focus to conference play, where they'll face off against the 4-6 Lindenwood Lions in the “Game Ball Brawl”.

The Redhawks currently hold first place in the OVC with their 5-0 conference record and are ranked No. 6 in the nation - the highest ranking in program history. They’re also riding a seven-game winning streak, the longest of head coach Tom Matukewicz’s time at SEMO.

SEMO’s main source of offense this year has come from senior quarterback Paxton DeLaurent, who has set new program records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total offense.. DeLaurent has thrown for 2,734 yards and 23 touchdowns, ranking 5th for receiving yards and 3rd for touchdowns in the nation. He’s also added a rushing touchdown to his stats.

Leading the receiving corps is senior wide receiver Dorian Anderson, who is having a career year with 720 yards and eight touchdowns on 51 catches. Anderson leads the team in receiving yards and ranks 15th in the nation.

DeLaurent’s go-to targets also include junior Tristan Smith and sophomore Cam Pedro. Pedro leads the team with 58 receptions, collecting 576 yards and three touchdowns. Smith is second on the team with 581 receiving yards, five touchdowns and 46 catches. Smith has scored a touchdown in four consecutive games for the Redhawks, holding the longest touchdown streak of the team.

Wide receiver Mitchell Sellers has also made an impact with 256 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

SEMO’s ground game has been effective despite a series of injuries among running backs. The team averages 94.6 rushing yards per game, with leading rusher Payton Brown gaining 259 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Cole Ruble has added two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Redhawks have been relentless. Senior inside linebacker Bryce Norman leads the team with 88 total tackles. Ranked 14th nationally in total defense, SEMO also ranks 27th in third-down defense,allowing first downs just 33% of the time on third-down plays. SEMO’s defense has forced seven interceptions, with graduate student Ty Leonard leading the team with three.

Special teams has been a consistent force, led by senior kicker DC Pippin, who boasts a 71.4% field goal rate (20-for-28). Pippin’s performance has earned him multiple OVC-Big South Special Teams Player of the Week awards, including one after the Homecoming game.

This weekend, SEMO looks to improve to 9-1 and move up in the rankings as they travel to Lindenwood in the “Game Ball Brawl.”