Murray State University Athletics
Racers Ranked No. 1 Nationally In Pass Defense
10/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Murray State football coach Joe Pannunzio knew his defense had been playing well of late, and now he has proof.
According to this week's NCAA statistics, the Racer defense is ranked No. 1 in all of Division I-AA in pass defense. Murray State is allowing just 106.1 yards per game passing. That is 12 yards per game ahead of No. 2 Hampton (118.7).
"We've obviously struggled as a team this season, but our defense has played pretty well all year long," said Pannunzio. "That ranking shows that we've played well against the pass as a team. Our secondary has been as good any in our league, but we've also put some pressure on the quarterback."
MSU has yet to give up 1,000 yards passing on the season, as teams have just put up 849 yards through the air against the Racer defense. In total defense, the Racer "D" ranks 23rd nationally while giving up 295.25 yards per game.
MSU's pass defense will have its work cut out for it this week when they take on Southeast Missouri, the Ohio Valley Conference's top passing team at 260.7 yards per game.
