Southeast Missouri State was defeated, 26-21, in a closely contested Ohio Valley Conference opener on Saturday night at Seibert Stadium. The Redhawks led by as many as 14 points in the second half but were unable to hold on to the lead as Samford scored 19 unanswered points over the final 27 minutes of play. Southeast drops to 2-2 on the season and 0-1 in the conference.