Gameday blog: Southeast at Kansas

My view from the press box at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, as Southeast Missouri State takes on Kansas in the 2017 season opener. (Trent Singer)

The Southeast Missouri State football team trails Football Bowl Subdivision opponent Kansas 21-7 at halftime in Lawrence, Kansas.

Jayhawks wide receiver Steven Sims Jr. was the difference in the first half. He has three receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yard reception from Peyton Bender at the 12-minute, 41-second mark of the first quarter that gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Chase Harrell extended Kansas' lead later in the quarter when he hauled in a one-handed, 8-yard grab from Bender, pushing the advantage to 14-0 with 8:57 left in the period.

But Southeast answered. After Omar Pierre-Louis forced a fumble on a punt return, the Redhawks had a short field to work with from the Kansas 24. Jesse Hosket connected with Trevon Billington to cap the short scoring drive, pulling the Redhawks within 14-7 with 8:52 to play in the half. It was the sophomore Billington's first career reception.

Shabari Davis intercepted Bender on the ensuing drive, but the Redhawks were unable to cash in after two penalties pushed them back to midfield.

The Jayhawks put together a scoring drive just before halftime, as Bender and Sims connected from 14 yards out to extend the hosts' lead to 21-7.

Hosket is 11-of-20 passing for 68 yards with one TD, while Redhawks running back Marquis Terry has been bottled up for just 21 yards on 12 totes (1.8 yards per carry). Kristian Wilkerson is SEMO's leading receiver with four catches for 26 yards.

Southeast cornerback Mike Ford has four solo stops (one tackle for loss) to go along with one sack, while outside linebacker Chad Meredith also has four tackles for the visitors.

The Redhawks have gained 101 yards of offense, while Kansas has 219 total yards.

Bender is 14-0f-20 passing for 202 yards with one TD and one interception.

You can follow along with me on Twitter @semoballTrent. I'll provide updates throughout the game, and you don't need a Twitter account to follow along.

The season opener for the Southeast Missouri State football team has arrived.

The Redhawks will take on Football Bowl Subdivision opponent Kansas at 6 p.m. today at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. The temperature is 86 degrees, and the sun is shining bright. Game time weather looks to be perfect.

You can follow along with me on Twitter @semoballTrent. I'll provide updates throughout the game, and you don't need a Twitter account to follow along.

Coach Tom Matukewicz is entering his fourth year as coach, amassing a 12-22 record in his previous three seasons. He fully expects to see a competitive edge from his team when it squares off against Kansas tonight. The Week 1 game preview is available here.

SEMO's offense is helmed by second-year starter Jesse Hosket, who is the team's first quarterback in six years to start consecutive season openers. Read more about Hosket's journey here. Hosket will direct an offense that returns four starters from a year ago. Read more about the Redhawks' offense here.

Defensively, Southeast will lean on its two returning edge rushers in senior outside linebackers Kendall Donnerson and Chad Meredith. Both have come a long way since arriving in Cape Girardeau fresh out of high school. You can read more about their respective stories here. A full defense and special teams preview is also available here.

The Southeast Missourian sports staff has provided several stories leading up to the the start of the 2017 season. Click on the headlines below to catch up with the Redhawks and help prepare yourself for the 2017 campaign.

Part of the Process: New Southeast Missouri State football strength coach Napoli combines resume with relationship building

Breaking down the Ohio Valley Conference

Young's transition looking promising as Southeast Missouri State football wraps up fall camp

Mid-camp scrimmage provides Southeast Missouri State football players and coaches chance for run through

Southeast Missouri State football team begins fall camp with undisputed starter at quarterback

Southeast Missouri State football practice ends with surprise proposal

White team nips Red team at Southeast Missouri State Football Spring Game

Size matters as Southeast Missouri State football welcomes 34 new faces to fold

2016 SEASON WRAP: Matukewicz believes Southeast Missouri State football doing right things despite record