Murray State University Athletics
Football Prepares for 2008 Season Opener
8/26/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
After going through the grind of two-a-days, the Murray State football team is set to open the 2008 season Thursday evening as the Racers play host to Lambuth. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Roy Stewart Stadium.
"They are tired of hitting each other," third year head coach Matt Griffin stated at his weekly media luncheon. "They have been for a couple days and probably longer than that. We are ready for gameday. The coaches are as eager as the players."
Thursday night will mark the unveiling of the Racers new no-huddle spread offense. The catalyst of the offense will be sophomore quarterback Jeff Ehrhardt who is coming off a freshman season that saw him set the MSU freshman record for touchdown passes in a season on his way to being named the 2007 OVC Freshman of the Year.
Ehrhardt will have plenty of weapons to throw the ball to this season. Leading the way on the outside are Derrick Townsel and Marcus Harris who combined for 63 receptions a season ago. The Racers also have first-team all-OVC tight end DeAngelo Nelson and his 13.1 yards per catch average. Add freshmen Patrick Robertson and Ja-Vonta Trotter to the mix and the Racers are very deep and talented on the outside.
On the defensive side of the ball, Nathan Williams returns for his sixth season to anchor a much improved defense. The defensive line returns five players that started games last season, including preseason all-OVC end Austen Lane. Williams leads the way at linebacker and is joined by two talented outside backers in Tamar Butler and Zach Kutch. The secondary will also be strong with Will Werner and Taylor Lanigan back at both safety positions.
The Racers take to the road for their first road contest of the season on Sept. 6 at Indiana. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CST and will be aired live on the Big Ten Network.
