Racers Can’t Overcome Turnovers In TTU Loss

Photo Credits: Dave Winder

Despite getting off to a hot start, the Murray State football team threw two interceptions inside the five-yard line that proved in Saturday’s game against Tennessee Tech at Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray, Kentucky. The two picks eventually proved to be the difference in the contest, as the Racers fell to the Golden Eagles, 17-7.

Murray State came out firing on all cylinders in the contest coming up with an interception on the third play of the game and using just three plays on offense to score and take an early 7-0 lead. Unfortunately for Murray State however, that would be their only score of the game. In addition to the interceptions in the second and fourth quarters, MSU also struggled to extend drives as they were just 2-for-11 on the day.

Despite the loss, the Racer defense did all they could for the cause as they came up with the interception in the first and forced a fumble in the fourth. In addition, the Racers stopped the Golden Eagles twice on fourth down and punter Steve Dawson pinned the Golden Eagles inside their own 20 yard-line on five of six punts. However, Tennessee Tech used a near perfect balanced attack to put up 17 unanswered in the game by rushing for 209 yards and passing for 206.

LaMartez Brooks has Murray State’s only touchdown of the game, as he finished the day with five catches for a game-high 68 yards. Preston Rice was 23-for-32 in the game for 196 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while his counterpart, Bailey Fisher, was 20-for-28 with two touchdowns and one interception.

On defense, Anthony Koclanakis eclipsed the century mark for tackles on the year by racking up 18 Saturday to give him 103 total with two games left to play. Marcis Floyd followed Koclanakis with nine stops on the day in addition to his interception in the first quarter, while Alec Long added seven and a forced fumble.

The Racers will now have a week to rest before returning action November 16 against Austin Peay at home in a First Financial Bank Battle of the Border matchup.