Powell Sparks Racers to 70-35 Victory Over Tennessee Tech

Saturday, September 29

Stewart Stadium

6 p.m.

Murray State

Tennessee Tech

Photo by: Tab Brockman

Powell Sparks Racers to 70-35 Victory Over Tennessee Tech

9/29/2012 7:54:00 PM | Football

BOX SCORE | BOX SCORE .pdf | 1st HALF GALLERY | 2nd HALF GALLERY | POSTGAME NOTES

Murray State junior wide receiver Walter Powell scored on a reception and a punt return in the first quarter as the Racers scored 35 unanswered points over a 13:46 span in the first half to spark the Racers to a 70-35 victory over Tennessee Tech Saturday evening in front of 9,794 fans at The Track.

Powell single handily pushed the Racers to big advantage as he had seven catches for 140 yards in the first half alone. He also had the 70-yard punt return and a 34-yard kickoff return. He went on to finish the day with 10 catches for 162 yards, while returning four punts for 83 yards and the 34-yard kickoff return.

The Racers (2-3, 1-1 OVC) got off to a fast start as they forced a three-and-out on the first TTU possession. MSU needed only three plays to cash in as Powell caught two passes on the drive, the second being a 14-yard touchdown from Casey Brockman.

The Golden Eagles (2-3, 0-2 OVC) responded on their next possession as they drove 67 yards and got an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tre Lamb to Cody Matthews.

MSU continued to move the ball on offense as they put together their first of two-straight 10-play scoring drives. On the first drive, Brockman found Nevar Griffin for what looked to be a touchdown, but was later reversed and marked out at the one. On the next play, Brockman went over right guard for a one-yard touchdown run.

The Racer defense forced another three-and-out as Ayo Ojolola and Tyler Evans made back-to-back stops for no gain to force a punt. Jaamal Berry sparked the next drive with a 21-yard burst up the middle, and Brockman completed a pair of passes to Griffin for 15 yards. Facing a 3rd-and-6, the Racers went to the revers and Jeremy Harness took the pitch around the left side for a seven-yard touchdown.

Another three-and-out by the defense set up the next touchdown as Powell fielded the punt on his own 30, and returned it 70 yards for the touchdown.

The Brockman to Powell show continued early in the second quarter as the duo connected on three-straight plays, covering 88 yards. Two plays later, Duane Brady went up the middle for a three-yard touchdown.

The Racer offense got the ball back a couple minutes later and turned it into six points as Berry broke up the middle for a 25-yard touchdown run.

The Golden Eagles bounced back with a scoring drive of their own, but Brockman and Racers came back with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Dontel Watkins.

TTU closed out the first-half scoring with a 94-yard kickoff return from Ladarius Vanlier.

The second half started with the Racer offense punting for the first time, but the defense had their back as Julian Whitehead returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown on TTU's first play from scrimmage.

After the Golden Eagles offense found the endzone for the first time in the second half, it was Brady's turn to take the spotlight as he scored from 12 yards out in the third quarter, and then bounced off tackles and high stepped into the endzone from 25 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Brockman went quietly about his business to the tune of 32-for-38 for 381 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Other than Powell's big game, Griffin added five catches for 55 yards, while Watkins chipped in four catches for 92 yards and a score.

The Racer ground attack rushed for 211 yards and six touchdowns. Berry led the way with 142 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries. Brady finished with 12 carries for 72 yards and three scores.

Defensively, Qua Huzzie had nine tackles, two tackles-for-loss and a pass break-up, while freshman T-Ray Malone had a career-high nine tackles.

Jordan Benton set a school record as he was a perfect 10-for-10 on extra points.

The Racers return to action Oct. 6 as they travel to take on Austin Peay. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Governors Stadium and can be seen live on the Racer TV Network.