Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Murray State Sports Information
Running Game Key to Success in 2011
8/5/2011 5:37:00 PM | Football
PHOTO GALLERY
Although the Murray State offense is known for its passing attack, it is the running game that makes the offense most effective. In 2011, the Racer feature one of the top running backs in the FCS, and a pair of backups that are more than capable of putting up big numbers when called upon.
Leading the way is All-Ohio Valley Conference selection Mike Harris. The Tulsa, Okla., is rated as one of the top 10 running backs in the FCS, according to The Sports Network.
Despite missing all or parts of four games, Harris rushed for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished the season with four 100-yard rushing performances, including a pair of 200-yard games. He broke a long run late in the game against Missouri State to finish with 212 yards, helping to make history as the Racers became the first FCS team to have a 500-yard passer, 200-yard receiver and 200-yard rusher in the same game.
Harris' best effort came against Tennessee Tech as he rushed for 242 yards. He did most of his damage in the first half as a 94-yard run late in the second quarter helped him to 198 first-half yards.
Sophomore Duane Brady is perfect compliment to Harris. The diminutive back, standing just 5-8, brings another speed dimension to the offense. Brady's importance to the Racers goes beyond his play out of the backfield, as he is one of the top special teams players.
Brady finished his freshman campaign by rushing for 288 yards and seven touchdowns. Filling in for an injured Harris against Austin Peay, Brady rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching five passes for 53 yards.
Senior Tyler Lavea brings the power dimension to the Racer backfield. He is not afraid to stick his nose in and get the tough yards, but also has the ability to get to the outside. In the season finale against Tennessee State, Lavea helped the Racers earn the victory by carrying the ball seven times for 28 yards, and catching a 14-yard pass that kept a drive alive.
Friday Practice Notes
• Friday marked the first day the Racers held practice with shoulder pads.
• Practice was moved to the afternoon due to morning thunderstorms.
• Casey Brockman scrambled to find Patrick Robertson for a seven-yard touchdown on the final play their series.
• Safety Julian Whitehead broke up a pass on the goaline during the second series.
Head Coach Chris Hatcher
“I thought we had a good spirited practice, even though it was in the afternoon. We got a lucky break with the weather and I was really proud of our guys for fighting through the adversity. We sat in the locker room for over two hours this morning waiting out a thunderstorm. We couldn't get out there to practice so we went to lunch and practiced in the late afternoon.”
Although the Murray State offense is known for its passing attack, it is the running game that makes the offense most effective. In 2011, the Racer feature one of the top running backs in the FCS, and a pair of backups that are more than capable of putting up big numbers when called upon.
Leading the way is All-Ohio Valley Conference selection Mike Harris. The Tulsa, Okla., is rated as one of the top 10 running backs in the FCS, according to The Sports Network.
Despite missing all or parts of four games, Harris rushed for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished the season with four 100-yard rushing performances, including a pair of 200-yard games. He broke a long run late in the game against Missouri State to finish with 212 yards, helping to make history as the Racers became the first FCS team to have a 500-yard passer, 200-yard receiver and 200-yard rusher in the same game.
Harris' best effort came against Tennessee Tech as he rushed for 242 yards. He did most of his damage in the first half as a 94-yard run late in the second quarter helped him to 198 first-half yards.
Sophomore Duane Brady is perfect compliment to Harris. The diminutive back, standing just 5-8, brings another speed dimension to the offense. Brady's importance to the Racers goes beyond his play out of the backfield, as he is one of the top special teams players.
Brady finished his freshman campaign by rushing for 288 yards and seven touchdowns. Filling in for an injured Harris against Austin Peay, Brady rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching five passes for 53 yards.
Senior Tyler Lavea brings the power dimension to the Racer backfield. He is not afraid to stick his nose in and get the tough yards, but also has the ability to get to the outside. In the season finale against Tennessee State, Lavea helped the Racers earn the victory by carrying the ball seven times for 28 yards, and catching a 14-yard pass that kept a drive alive.
Friday Practice Notes
• Friday marked the first day the Racers held practice with shoulder pads.
• Practice was moved to the afternoon due to morning thunderstorms.
• Casey Brockman scrambled to find Patrick Robertson for a seven-yard touchdown on the final play their series.
• Safety Julian Whitehead broke up a pass on the goaline during the second series.
Head Coach Chris Hatcher
“I thought we had a good spirited practice, even though it was in the afternoon. We got a lucky break with the weather and I was really proud of our guys for fighting through the adversity. We sat in the locker room for over two hours this morning waiting out a thunderstorm. We couldn't get out there to practice so we went to lunch and practiced in the late afternoon.”
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