Murray State University Athletics
Racers Host Tennessee Tech for Homecoming
10/10/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
Tennessee Tech at Murray State
Saturday, Oct. 11 - 3 p.m.
Stewart Stadium - Murray, Ky.
The Murray State football team is looking for it's second-straight Ohio Valley Conference victory as it welcomes Tennessee Tech to Stewart Stadium for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
STORY LINES
Murray State is looking to for back-to-back victories for the first time since winning the final four games of the 2004 season.
Saturday's matchup is the 74th meeting between the two schools. The Racers trail 40-32-1 in the all-time series and are 2-3 over the previous five meetings. The series is even in games played in Murray, 17-17-1, with the Racers coming away victorious in three of the last four meetings.
The Golden Eagles will be the Homecoming opponent for the Racers for the 12th time. MSU is 5-6 in the previous 11 meetings.
The Racers offense has found its way in Ohio Valley Conference action as they are averaging 500 yards a game over the first two games.
Junior Derrick Townsel's 327 receiving yards over the last two games are the most by any receiver in MSU history. He broke the record of 324 set by Jason French in 1999.
About the Opponent
Tennessee Tech enters the game with an overall record of 3-3 and a 1-1 mark in OVC games. They have alternated wins and losses the entire season.
The Golden Eagles are coming off a 33-12 defeat at the hands of Eastern Kentucky.
TTU is being outscored 30.5-22.2 and outgained 364.5-295.7.
The Golden Eagles are being outscored by 58 points in the middle two corners, but are outscoring their opponents by eight points in the first and fourth quarters.
The offense is led by the versatile Henry Sailes who has 282 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, 33 catches for 192 yards and 10 kickoff returns for 224 yards.
Quarterback Lee Sweeney has been slowed a little by injury and is 69-for-115 for 731 yards. He has three touchdowns and six interceptions. Josh Lowery is 50-for-74 for 444 yards, with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Tim Benford leads the receiving corp with 36 catches for 435 yards and five touchdowns.
The defense is led by Corey Reed with 64 tackles, including four for loss. Maurice Smith has 55 tackles and four pass breakups.
Last Time Out
Murray State earned its first OVC victory of the season as they defeated Austin Peay 32-12 in Clarksville, Tenn.
The Racers outgained the Governors 461-226, forced four APSU turnovers and recorded a safety.
Junior receiver Derrick Townsel had another big day as he caught seven passes for 165 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Jeff Ehrhardt was 25-for-36 for 304 yards and a touchdown.
The Racer ground game picked up 157 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns.
Linebacker Zach Kutch recorded a team-high 14 tackles, including three for loss.
Nathan Williams registered 13 tackles and also grabbed the first interception of his career.
Freshman Lamar Hall also recorded his first career interception.
Kienan Cullen connected on a career-best three field goals.
