Murray State University Athletics
Racers To Play At Kentucky In 2003
1/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
For the first time in school history, Murray State will meet the University of Kentucky on the football field. The two Kentucky schools signed a contract agreeing to play in Lexington on Sept. 6 2003, Racer director of athletics E.W. Dennison announced on Wednesday.
“We're really excited about the opportunity to play an in-state Division I-A team,” Dennison said. “We've played several of these type games in the past and the exposure we'll get from this game is substantial to our football program and entire university.”
Murray State, the defending Ohio Valley Conference co-champion, finished 7-5 overall and 5-1 in league play while qualifying for the Division I-AA Playoffs where the Racers fell to eventual national champion Western Kentucky in the first round.
This will be the fifth straight season in which the Racers have played a Division I-A opponent. MSU visited Brigham Young in 1998, Wisconsin in 1999, Middle Tennessee in 2000, Ole Miss and Minnesota in 2001 and Memphis last year.
“Obviously, this will be another major challenge for our football team, but we look forward to the opportunity to play a high-profile program like Kentucky,” said Racer head coach Joe Pannunzio, who will be entering his fourth season. “Playing a game like this benefits our program in so many ways, but most of all our kids look forward to playing a team with the tradition and stature of Kentucky.”
