Racers Host Gamecocks in OVC Showdown

GAME NOTES

RV/RV Murray State (2-2, 1-1 OVC) vs. #13 Jacksonville State (3-1, 2-0 OVC)
Oct. 1 - 6 p.m.
Stewart Stadium - Murray, Ky.

STORY LINES
Saturday's game features the top two teams according to the preseason polls released in July. The two teams played a classic last season with JSU coming away with a 40-34 victory.

Running back Mike Harris has rushed for over 100 yards in three of the four games this season. The senior has gone over 100 yards seven times in his 13 career games. He now ranks tied for 7th on the all-time list for career 100-yard games.

Through the first four games this season, Murray State has blocked two punts and have been very close on a few more. Brandon Wicks got the first block against Mississippi Vallye State, while Jeffrey Richard blocked one against UT Martin.

Sophomore running back Duane Brady was named the College Football Performance Awards National Kickoff Returner of the Week after returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against UT Martin. Brady is the second Racer to earn a national honor from the CFPA, after Casey Brockman was honored for his performance against Tennessee State.

The Game
The Racers look to get back on the winning track as they play host to Jacksonville State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at 'The Track.'

Racers Receiving Votes
The Racers continue to receive votes in both The Sport Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 and the FCS Coaches polls this week.

Final Night Game
Saturday will mark the final night game of the 2011 season. The remainder of the Racer schedule will start no later than 3 p.m.

vs. Jacksonville State
The Racers won the opening game in this series, but the Gamecocks have won the last six meetings. The Racers lone win was a 23-17 overtime victory in 2003.

Win No. 450
The Racers will be looking the program's 450th victory against Jacksonville State. MSU enters the game with a record of 449-387-6.

Brady Returns Kickoff for TD
Running back Duane Brady entered the game against UT Martin with just one kickoff return in his career. On his fifth return against the Skyhawks, Brady weaved his way down the field, and broke a couple tackles on his way to a 98-yard touchdown. The return falls just one yard shy of the all-time record set three different times.

Brady Earns National Honor
After returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against UT Martin, Murray State sophomore Duane Brady was named the College Football Performance Awards National Kickoff Returner of the Week. Brady entered the game with one kickoff return in his career and finished the game with 149 return yards on five returns.

Richard Shines on Special Teams
Freshman Jeffrey Richard continues to make big plays on special teams as he blocked a punt against UT Martin. He later tackled the punter in the backfield after a bobble snap. It was the third big play on punt rush this season, after recovering a blocked punt in the endzone against Mississippi Valley State.

Harris Over 100 Again
Running back Mike Harris continues to reach the 100-yard plateau. The senior rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown against UT Martin. It was the third 100-yard performance of the season, and the seventh of his short career. He is now tied for 7th on the all-time list for career 100-yard games.

Durrante Catches First TD
Senior wide receiver Dexter Durrante found the endzone for the first time in his career when he caught an eight-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against UT Martin. The Fort Campbell native began his career as a defensive back before moving to running back late during his sophomore season.

Up Next
The Racers step out of conference play for the final time as they travel to face Georgia State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in the Georgia Dome and will be televised live on the Racer TV Network.

Murray State University Athletics

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