Illinois State (0-1) at Murray State (1-1)
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 6 p.m.
Stewart Stadium - Murray, Ky.
STORY LINES
Saturday's game will be the final game in the four-game series between the two schools.
Illinois State has won the last four meetings, after the Racers won the first game in 2001.
The game marks the return of Denver Johnson to Stewart Stadium. Johnson was the head coach for Murray State from 1997-99. He owned a 21-12 record in his time with the Racers.
The Racers will be starting their third quarterback in as many games this season as Chris Franklin gets the starting nod on Saturday.
Murray State will need to control the running game of the Redbirds after ISU ran for 237 yards and four touchdowns in last year's game.
MSU senior linebacker Nathan Williams has recorded 26 tackles in the first two games. He leads the OVC and the FCS in total tackles.
vs. Illinois State
Saturday's game will mark the sixth meeting between the two schools. MSU won the first meeting in 2002, but the Redbirds have come away victorious in the last four meetings. MSU is 1-1 in games inside Stewart Stadium.
vs. Valley Football
Murray State is 27-16-2 against current members of the Valley Football Conference. MSU is 6-2 against Youngstown State will all eight contests coming with both teams playing in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Same Valley, Different Name
The Valley Football Conference is in its first year. Prior to this season, the conference has been known as the Gateway Football Conference.
Switching Valley's
Current Missouri Valley Football Conference member Youngstown State was a member of the Ohio Valley Conference from 1981-87.
Franklin to Get First Start
Sophomore Chris Franklin will be the third MSU quarterback to start under center this season when the Racers take on Illinois State. Franklin is 28-for-45 for 277 yards and three touchdowns in his career.
Getting Off the Field
The Racer defense has done a good job getting off the field on third downs this season as opponents are just 8-for-31 (26%) in third-down conversions. Last season, opponents converted on third down 41% of the time.
Fourth Quarter Scoring
Through the first two games of the season, the MSU defense has not allowed any points in the fourth quarter.
Up Next
The Racers close out their non-conference schedule on Sept. 20 as they travel to take on Western Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. 
