Defense and Special Teams the Difference in 35-24 Victory

Saturday, October 5

Stewart Stadium

3 p.m.

Murray State

4-2 , 2-0

Tennessee Tech

3-3 , 0-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Tennessee Tech

Murray St.

Photo by: Tab Brockman

Defense and Special Teams the Difference in 35-24 Victory

10/5/2013 4:42:00 PM | Football

Box Score

| BOX SCORE (.pdf) | 1st HALF GALLERY | 2nd HALF GALLERY

Murray State scored on defense and special teams as the Racers got off to their first 2-0 start in Ohio Valley Conference since 1998 with a 35-24 victory over Tennessee Tech Saturday afternoon at Stewart Stadium.

All-American Walter Powell kick started the victory by returning a punt 88-yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The return marked the second time in as many seasons that Powell has taken a punt back for touchdown in the first quarter against the Golden Eagles.

Powell was not done there as he added eight catches for 177 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He caught a 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and then hauled in a 59-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. He finished the game with 310 all-purpose, and set the MSU modern-day record with 30 total touchdowns. He breaks the old record of 28, previously held by Willie Cannon. Harlan Brodie holds the all-time record with 40 touchdowns from 1927-30.

Powell also has 26 career receiving touchdowns, tieing Terrance Tillman for the all-time record at MSU.

With the Racers leading 21-7 at the half, the defense came out on the opening possession of the second half and forced a fumble. Anthony Hayes forced the fumble that was scooped up by Josh Manning and returned 22 yards for the touchdown.

The Eagles (3-3, 1-1 OVC) tried to get back into the game with a pair of rushing touchdowns in the second half, but the Racer defense bowed its neck and forced a pair of turnovers. Manning and Brandon Wicks reach intercepted passes as the Racer defense now has 10 interceptions on the season.

The Racer defense closed out the game in fitting fashion as they stopped the Golden Eagles on four plays from the three yard line.

Sophomore quarterback Maikhail Miller had his first career 300-yard passing game as he went 31-of-42 for 306 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Powell was his main target with the eight receptions, while Jeremy Harness added seven grabs for 41 yards.

Linebacker Travis Taylor led the defense with eight tackles. Felton Collins, Zach Dean and Jonathan Jackson each added seven stops. Dean and Zac Ross each recorded a sack and two tackles-for-loss.

The Racers return to action Oct. 12 as they travel to face Southeast Missouri. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and can be seen live on the Racer TV Network.