Murray State University Athletics
Racers Head To Tennessee State
10/15/2009 1:30:00 PM | Football
Oct. 17 - 6 p.m.
LP Field- Nashville, Tenn.
Murray State takes to the road for its first Ohio Valley Conference road game as the Racers take on Tennessee State at 6 p.m. at LP Field in Nashville.
Gameday Central
Stadium LP Field
Capacity 67,500
Surface Natural Grass
Kickoff 6 p.m.
Television None
Radio Froggy 103.7 FM
Neal Bradley (PxP) and Paul Bubb(Color)
Internet www.GoRacers.com
Series Record TSU leads 11-9
STORY LINES
- The Racers play their first Ohio Valley Conference road contest as they travel to take on Tennessee State. MSU has lost four of the last five games at TSU, including a 42-28 defeat in the last game at LP Field.
- MSU will be playing its second game on grass this season, marking the first time since 2006 the Racers have played more than one game on grass. The Racers are 0-4 in the Matt Griffin era on grass.
- The Racers and Tigers played a classic last season that came down to the final play of the game. Linebacker Tamar Butler knocked down a pass at the goaline on the last play to secure the 24-17 victory.
- The Racer defense has not alloweda point in the third quarter in either of its two Ohio Valley Conference games. MSU has only allowed seven points in the first quarter in those two contests.
- Special Teams have been a major advantage for the Racers as they rank second nationally in punt returns (22.27) and kickoff returns (26.81). Kienan Cullen is also averaging 41.11 yards a punt and has eight puns of at least 50 yards.
About the Opponent
Tennessee State enters the game with an overall record of 3-3 and a 2-0 mark in Ohio Valley Conference action.
TSU is receiving votes in both The Sports Network and FCS Coaches Poll this week.
The Tigers are coming off a 20-17 road victory over Eastern Kentucky.
TSU drove 59 yards in just over four minutes to score the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute remaining in the game.
The Tiger offense is managing 164 yards a game on the ground and 105.5 through the air. TSU averages 41.7 rushes per game and only 21.2 passing attempts per contest.
The ground attack is led by quarterback Calvin McNairl's 412 yards and four touchdowns.
McNairl is also 34-for-72 for 366 yards, with two touchdowns and four interceptions.
Joseph Hills has been the main target with 20 catches for 270 yards and both scores.
John Jones leads the defense with 35 tackles, including 6.5 for loss.
Safety Eugene Clifford has returned a fumble and an interception for a touchdown this season.
Captains
Captains for the Tennessee State game are defensive end Austen Lane and tight end DeAngelo Nelson.
The Racers remain on the road as they travel to take on UT Martin on Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
