Murray State University Athletics
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Former Racer Andrus Has Team On Track For World Bowl
6/6/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
Former
Frankfurt leads the league with a 6-2 record.
“I could tell from the beginning that our team was really ready for this game,” Andrus said of the win over
The top two teams in the regular season standings advance to the World Bowl.
“I think our chances of winning the World Bowl are very good,” said Andrus. “We have a ton of talent on this team.”
Andrus signed a three-year deal with the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts on Feb. 10. The
If
On Saturday Hamburg will try to get revenge for a 20-17 loss in week three to the Frankfurt Galaxy. Andrus kicked three field goals in that earlier meeting with the Galaxy.
“We played
For the season, Andrus has connected on 11 of 14 field goal attempts and 17 of 18 extra-point attempts. He has averaged 61.7 yards on his 39 kickoffs.
His 79 percent field goal conversion rate ranks first among league kickers with 10 or more attempts. Andrus is second in the league in field goals made and second among kickers in scoring (50 points). He is tied for second for attempts. Before missing a 37-yard attempt last weekend against
made 17 straight extra-point attempts since missing on his first try of the season.
Andrus has made all four of his field goal attempts from the 40-49 yard range, including a season-long 47-yarder against Amsterdam on May 18.
Two of his three missed field goals have been 50 yards or longer.
“This experience has helped me get back in game form,” Andrus said. “I haven't played a whole season since 2002. I think getting all these reps will greatly benefit my NFL career. My confidence level is really high.”
Of his 39 kickoffs, 31 have been 60 yards or longer and 14 have gone 65 yards or longer. Andrus had a 73 yard kickoff for a touchback against Rhein on May 6. If his one onside kick attempt is subtracted from his totals, his average rises to 63 yards per kickoff.
“Being in
Andrus earned All-America honors as a junior at
The Panthers led 23-17 entering the fourth quarter but the Racers scored 17 straight points to take a 34-23 advantage. EIU answered with a pair of touchdowns to go back on top 35-34 with just 23 seconds left in the game.
MSU drove to the Eastern Illinois 35-yard line with four seconds remaining and used its final timeout to set up a kick by Andrus to win the game and the OVC Championship.
The senior connected from 52 yards out as time expired to send Murray State into the NCAA playoffs and give the Racers a share of their eighth OVC title.
Andrus made 15-of-22 field goal attempts and all 21 of his extra-point attempts during his All-America junior season. He nailed 11-of-14 field goal tries and all 45 extra-point attempts during his senior season.
The game winner against Eastern Illinois was the second 52-yard field goal Andrus converted during his final collegiate campaign.
Following the conclusion of the NFL Europe season, Andrus will spend a few weeks in Indianapolis before returning to Murray take some time off and rest up for training camp.
Andrus will provide assistance to local kickers during the month of July. From July 7 to July 25 Andrus will offer individual instruction for kickers from middle school age to college age. The lessons last for one hour and cost $60. For more information, contact Andrus via email at shanea655@aol.com.
Training camp with the Colts begins on July 30 in Terre Haute, Ind. Andrus will use training camp and exhibition games to showcase his skills.
“I can only control what I do on the field, what happens after that is out of my hands,” said Andrus. “Indy has the best kicker in the game so obviously that is something I can't help. I have to show the rest of the NFL what I can do.”
The 2007 Racers will open their season on Aug. 30 when they travel to
The Racers' home opener is on Sept. 15 against
