Strong Second Half Defense Not Enough In APSU Loss

Saturday, September 23

Roy Stewart Stadium

6 p.m.

Murray State

1-3 , 0-1

Austin Peay (Family Weekend)

2-2 , 1-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Austin Peay

Murray St.

Photo by: Tab Brockman

9/23/2017 10:52:00 PM | Football

Box Score BOX SCORE (PDF)SEASON STATS (PDF)

Just The Facts
The Murray State football team gave up just 119 yards in the second half on Saturday's game with Austin Peay at Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray, Kentucky. However, a 20-point first-half performance by the Govs was enough to propel them to a 27-7 win.

How It Happened
Austin Peay held the Racers to just five total yards in the first half, while racking up 273 themselves. In the second half, the Racer offense finally got going and ended the game with 88 total yards. In the third quarter, Corey Newble found D.J. Penick in the end zone from seven yards out for Murray State's only touchdown in the game. The Racers had chances in the fourth quarter but a late touchdown by Austin Peay sealed the win for the Govs.

About The Govs
JaVaughn Craig rushed for 103 yards and one touchdown and passed for 88 yards and added another score through the air. Kentel Wialliams and Ahmad Tanner added 74 and 70 yards, respectively, on the ground for Austin Peay. Malik Boynton led Austin Peay with seven tackles defensively, while Gunnar Scholato had six, a tackle-for-loss and an interception.

Defensive Playmakers
Lamont Crittendon had a game-high 11 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Marico Paige had seven, a tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup. Kenney Wooten picked up his fifth sack of the season in the game, to go along with five tackles and a quarterback hurry, while Dylan Boone picked off his second pass of the year.

OK, What's Next?
The Racers will wrap-up the non-conference portion of their schedule next week when they travel east to take on reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and the 19^th-ranked Louisville Cardinals. Kickoff from Papa John's Cardinals Stadium is scheduled for 2:30 CT/3:30 ET.