Murray State University Athletics
Yantko Named Pepsi Athlete of the Week
9/2/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
Junior quarterback Nico Yantko came off the bench to lead Murray State on five scoring drives as the Racers overcame a slow start to hand Lambuth a 41-17 defeat Thursday evening at Stewart Stadium. For his efforts, Yantko was named the MSU Pepsi Student-Athlete of the Week.
Yantko (Fairborn, Ohio) was forced into duty in the second quarter and calmly led the Racers on a 13-play drive that ate up nearly six minutes and resulted in a 22-yard field goal with under a minute remaining in the half.
That drive set the tone for Yantko as he came out in the second half and led four scoring drives on eight possessions. With the game tied in the third quarter, Yantko threw his first career touchdown pass as he found a streaking Daniel Ard down the right sideline for a 42-yard pitch and catch. The duo would connect two drives later, this time on a five-yard fade into the back right corner of the endzone.
On the day, Yantko went 10-for-15 for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed the ball nine times for 22 yards.
The Racers return to the field on Sept. 6 as they travel to take on Indiana. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. central time and will air live on the Big Ten Network.
