Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Mississippi Valley State
Racers Shutout Mississippi Valley State 39-0
9/10/2011 5:34:00 PM | Football
Box Score | Box Score (.pdf) | First Half Photo Gallery | Second Half Photo Gallery | Postgame Notes
Murray State picked up its first shutout in seven years, holding Mississippi Valley State scoreless Saturday night as the Racers picked up their first win of the season in a 39-0 win at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Miss.
The Racers blanked an opponent for the first time since a 38-0 win at home against UT Martin on Nov. 13, 2004. It was their first road shutout since 1996, when MSU knocked off Southeast Missouri 16-0.
The Racers turned the field position battle around in their favor halfway through the first quarter, pinning Mississippi Valley State deep in its own territory with a punt that rolled to a stop at the five yard line. The defense was able to hold the Delta Devils to a three and out, leading to the Racers taking possession on the MVSU side of the field.
The field position advantage paid off later in the game. With 2:56 remaining in the first quarter, a missed snap on third down by Mississippi Valley State led to the ball being knocked out of the back of the end zone for a safety to give the Racers a 2-0 lead and possession.
MSU (1-1) worked with a shorter field on the ensuing drive, starting at the 50 yard line after an out-of-bounds kick off. Mike Harris and Duane Brady busted off a couple of long runs on the drive, and a defensive holding call on third down extended the drive.
Harris found the end zone two carries later, breaking through a hole in the middle of the field on a 15 yard touchdown as the Racers jumped ahead 9-0 in the final minute of the first quarter.
Brandon Wicks ended the next Mississippi Valley State (0-2) possession early, leaping for an interception on the Racers 18 yard line. The pick was the second of his career.
MSU broke off a number of big plays following the INT, including a conversion on third and long on a 13 yard pass from Brockman to Dexter Barnett for a first down. Brockman found Hannibal Beauford breaking wide open down the left hash marks for a gain of 21 to take the Racers across midfield.
Brady picked up 35 yards on a pair of rushes, the second going for 25 yards after he moved the pile 15 yards down field into the red zone.
The drive stalled inside the five yard line, leading to a 23 yard field goal from Kienan Cullen to give MSU a 12-0 advantage.
Wicks stepped up to force another turnover late in the first half, blocking a punt just inside the goal line after a bad snap. Jeffrey Richard landed on the loose ball for the score as the Racers jumped ahead 19-0 before halftime.
Brockman led the Racers down the field on the team's second drive of the half. Nevar Griffin caught his first career pass, a 16 yard reception down the right side. His second catch of the day later in the drive for 15 yards led to a first down on second and long.
After Brockman was sacked on second down at the MVSU 16, he capped the series with his first touchdown of the day, finding Patrick Robertson alone in the left side of the end zone from 16 yards out. A blocked extra point attempt kept the Racers lead at 25-0.
Harris found the end zone again in the third, scoring from 13 yards out with 1:42 remaining in the quarter after finding a hole on the right side of the line. The score capped a drive that was featured primarily in the air, with Beauford pulling down a pair of catches for 28 yards, Robertson hauling in a catch for 11 yards and Dexter Durrante snagging an eight yard grab.
Graham Craig threw his first touchdown pass of the season in the fourth quarter after a 41 yard punt return by Robertson gave the Racers possession on the 29 yard line. Facing third and long, Craig floated a pass beyond an outstretched defender into the hands of Ja-Vonte Trotter near the sideline and Trotter was able to walk in for the score.
Harris passed the century mark in rushing for the second time this season, hammering out 106 yards on the ground on 19 total carries. His 15-yard TD in the first was his longest run of the game. Brady picked up 50 yards on just five carries, and Tyler Lavea ran for 34 yards on three runs.
Beauford ended the night as Brockman's favorite target, leading the team with seven catches for a career-best 111 yards.
Brockman totaled 238 yards in the air, throwing one touchdown on 21-of-33 passing. Craig ended the night 4-of-5 for 27 yards and a score.
Sam Small paced the defense, leading the team with 10 total tackles. He and Kevin Robinson each recorded 2.5 tackles-for-loss.
The Racers host Tennessee State in the 2011 home opener Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at 'The Track.'
