Racers Fall to Gamecocks on Homecoming

Saturday, October 10

Stewart Stadium

3 p.m.

Murray State

Jacksonville State

10/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football

Box Score

Jacksonville State scored 21 second-quarter points to take a commanding first-half lead and never looked back as they handed Murray State a 41-7 defeat Saturday afternoon at Roy Stewart Stadium.

The Gamecocks (4-2, 2-0 OVC) looked to be stopped on their first possession of the game, but executed a fake punt to keep the possession alive. JSU continued to drive and later reached the endzone on a seven-yard touchdown run around left end Jamal Young.

The JSU defense helped setup the offense as a big stop on fourth-and-inches set the offense at the Racer 43-yard line. Gamecock quarterback Ryan Perrilloux found receiver Greg Smith on a 27-yard connection before hitting tight end Justin Howard on an eight-yard touchdown pass into the right flat.

Following a three-and-out by the Racers, JSU put together a 10-play drive that was capped by a Marquez Ivory three-yard pass to Alphonso Freeney.

The Racers (1-4, 0-2 OVC) drove deep into Gamecock territory before the drive was halted by an interception. JSU needed just two plays to go 97 yards as Perrilloux found James Shaw for a 66-yard touchdown pass to make the score 28-0 at the half.

MSU's defense continued to put forth it's strong effort in the third quarter as the Racers did not allow the Gamecocks to get on the board in the frame and Zach Kutch intercepted a Perrilloux pass midway through the quarter.

JSU was able to put a pair of scoring drives together in the fourth quarter to expand the lead, but the Racers did not go quietly.

The Racers got on the board late as Nico Yantko led an eight-play 71-yard drive. The drive started with a 15-yard completion to DeAngelo Nelson and Prince Nwagbara added a 17-yard run. Back-to-back completions to Rashad Daniels netted 31 yards that set the Racers up at the 16-yard line.

Nwagbara put together a pair of seven-yard runs to give MSU a first down at the two-yard line and Yantko capped the drive with a two-yard pass to Alex Estes, the first TD reception of his career.

“We know our shortcomings and we have done everything we can to address it and we will continue to do so,” said head coach Matt Griffin. “As I said to the team, six games remain, six opportunities for victories, and it all starts with Tennessee State.”

The Racers return to action Oct. 17 as they travel to take on Tennessee State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at L.P. Field in Nashville.