Just The Facts
Southern Illinois scored 28 points off of six turnovers, as the Murray State football team was defeated in its 2018 season opener, 42-10, Friday evening at Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray, Kentucky.
How It Happened
Murray State struck first in the game on a 25-yard field goal from Gabriel Vicente, however back-to-back second quarter touchdowns off of a fumble and an interception, respectively, pushed SIU’s lead out to 21-3.
The Racers cut the lead to 11 in the third on a 28-yard drive after an Anthony Koclanakis interception that ended in an eight-yard touchdown run by D. J Penick. However, just when it looked like Koclankis had picked up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, the play was overturned and the Salukis marched down the field and scored to take a 28-10 lead into the locker room at the break.
The second half was all Salukis as they added three touchdowns to clinch the 49-10 win
Big Play Q
Quincy Williams had several big plays in Thursday’s opener and led all players in the game with nine tackles including seven solo. The senior also had 2.0 tackles-for-loss totaling 14 yards, a 10-yard sack and a forced fumble
Solid Ground
The Racers had success running the ball Friday, gaining130 yards with Rodney Castille leading the way with a net of 72 on 10 carries.
About The Salukis
Southern Illinois rushed for 295 yards in the game including 127 from D.J. Davis. Sam Straub was 16-for-29 passing with 107 yards, a score and an interception, while Landon Lenoir led with fice catches for 25 yards.
Healthy Returns
DeQuan Dallas racked up 100 return yards on kickoffs Friday on five returns with a long of 24 yards.
Big Debuts
Koclanakis had four tackles, an interception and 10-yard return and a pass breakup in his MSU debut, while T.J. Warren and Kendrick Catis each had eight tackles in their first games in blue and gold. On special teams, Steve Dawson had five punts for 40.8 yards with a long of 50 in his first-ever football game.
OK, What’s Next?
The Racers hit the road for week two to take on 16th-ranked Central Arkansas in Conway. Kickoff on the purple and gray turf of Estes Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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