Murray State University Athletics
Racers Head to UT Martin in Search of Second-Straight Victory
10/22/2009 1:45:00 PM | Football
Oct. 24 - 6 p.m.
Graham Stadium - Martin, Tenn.
Murray State plays its second-straght game on the road as the Racers travel to take on UT Martin on Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Hardy Graham Stadium.
Gameday Central
Stadium Graham Stadium
Capacity 7,500
Surface Field Turf
Kickoff 6 p.m.
Television None
Radio Froggy 103.7 FM
Neal Bradley (PxP) and Paul Bubb(Color)
Internet www.GoRacers.com
Series Record MSU leads 34-13-1
STORY LINES
- Murray State head coach Matt Griffin returns to the place where he served as head coach prior to his tenure at MSU. Griffin's staff at UTM also included current MSU defensive coordinator Mark Lister and defensive line coach Johnny Jernigan.
- Sophomore Kienan Cullen was named the OVC Specialist of the Week after kicking three field goals (36, 24, 40) in the Racers 9-6 victory over Tennessee State.
- The Racer defense has not allowed a point in the third quarter in its three Ohio Valley Conference contests. MSU has also only allowed seven points in the first quarter of those contests.
- Junior wide receiver Marcus Harris has caught two touchdown passes in each of his previous two games against UT Martin. In the two games, Harris has 10 catches for 191 yards and four TDs.
- Saturday's game features Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Cade Thompson and Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Austen Lane.
About the Opponent
UT Martin enters the contest with an overall record of 2-5 and a 1-3 mark in OVC action.
The Skyhawks have lost three-straight OVC games, including dropping a 31-25 decision to Eastern Kentucky.
The Skyhawks are being outscored 58-14 by their opponents in the first quarter.
The UTM offense is averaging 155.6 yards per game on the ground and 250.9 yards a game through the air.
Quarterback Cade Thompson has gone 150-for-236 for 1,659 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also thrown a league-high 11 interceptions.
His favorite target has been Dexter Anoka who has caught 27 passes for 265 yards and a pair of scores.
Receiver Mike Hicks has 26 catches for 320 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back Miguel Barnes leads the ground attack with 538 yards and eight touchdowns on 101 carries.
Linebacker Josh Bey leads the Skyhawk defense with 69 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks.
Jimmy Jones has recorded a team-best two interceptions.
Captains
Captains for the UT Martin game are safety Taylor Lanigan and running back Charlie Jordan.
The Racers return home to take on Eastern Illinois on Halloween (Oct. 31) at Roy Stewart Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
