Racer Rally Falls Short at Eastern Kentucky

Saturday, October 30

Richmond, Ky.

2 p.m.

Murray State

Eastern Kentucky

Photo by: Tommy Dillard

10/30/2010 7:50:19 PM | Football

Marcus Harris finishes with 12 catches for 128 yards

Box Score
Box Score (.pdf)

T.J. Pryor's 29-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference as Eastern Kentucky held off a late Murray State rally in handing the Racers a 28-21 defeat Saturday afternoon at Roy Kidd Stadium.

With the score tied, EKU (2-5, 2-2 OVC) took over on the Racer 38 yard line. A pair of runs and in complete pass set up fourth-and-one and Pryor went over left tackle for the 29-yard score.

The Racers (3-5, 2-3 OVC) were forced to punt on their next possession, but the defense was able to force a three-and-out to get the ball back to the offense with 2:58 remaining.

MSU picked up back-to-back first downs as Casey Brockman found Marcus Harris for 17 yards and Arthur Brackett for 12. The Racers got another first down on a completion to Marcus Harris, but later faced a fourth-and 18. Brockman's pass to Arthur Brackett was ruled out of bounds on the sideline, ending the drive and the game.

The Racers got on the board on their opening possession as Dexter Durrante took a short pass from Casey Brockman and went up the right sideline for 30 yards. Three plays later, Marcus Harris took a short pass on the left side and cut back for 35 yards to the two yard line. On the next play, Mike Harris went over right tackle for the two-yard touchdown.

The Colonels responded on their next possession as quarterback Pryor found a wide open Evan Cromer over the middle for 31 yards and then Pryor scrambled for a 34-yard gain of his own. Three plays later, Pryor scored on a designed run from three yards out.

The Racer defense helped set up the next points as Dontrell Johnson intercepted a pass at the EKU 32. Brockman hit Dexter Barnett for a first down, before the drive stalled and Kienan Cullen stepped on the field and booted a 39-yard field goal.

The second Racer turnover of the first half set the Colonels up deep in MSU territory and EKU needed four plays to cover the 17 yards and take a 14-10 lead on the H.B. Banjomin one-yard run.

EKU added to its lead late in the second quarter as Pryor connected with Orlandus Harris for a 49-yard touchdown with under a minute remaining.

The Racers used a 36-yard punt return from Johnson to help MSU get on the board in the third quarter. Marcus Harris caught a 13-yard reception, and it was followed up by a 16-yard run from Mike Harris. Facing a fourth down inside the five, Mike Harris picked up the first down with a two-yard run, and then scored from the one-yard line two plays later. Josh Brown connected with Marcus Harris on the half-back pass to convert the two-point conversion and close the deficit to three.

MSU tied the game on their first possession of the fourth quarter on a 12-play drive that was highlighted by a great one-handed catch by Marcus Harris for 21 yards. Brockman found Brackett for 11 yards to convert another third down before Cullen connected on a 43-yard field goal.

Marcus Harris led the Racer offense as he had 12 catches for 128 yards. Brockman finished the day by going 31-for-56 for 299 yards and an interception.

Joe Gamsky led the defense with 3.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Matt Johnson added eight tackles, including 1.5 for loss.

The Racers return to action next Saturday as they return to 'The Track' to face Tennessee Tech. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.