Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
5-4 , 3-2
UT Martin
6-3 , 4-2
Racers Stumble in Second Half at UT Martin
11/2/2013 2:42:00 PM | Football
Murray State was shutout in the second half and UT Martin took advantage of a pair of interceptions to hand the Racers a 45-17 defeat Saturday afternoon at Graham Stadium.
With just under five minutes left in the first quarter, T-Ray Malone jumped on a bad pitch in the endzone to give the Racers the 7-0 advantage. Â
The Racers extended their lead on the next offensive possession as Jaamal Berry capped an eight-play drive with a 26-yard touchdown run.
The Skyhawks battled back and scored the next 17 points to take their first lead of the game. DJ McNeil got them on the board with a five-yard scoring run, and Jarod Neal hit Jeremy Butler on a 21-yard pass on the next possession.
MSU was able to tie the game as the first half expired on a 24-yard field goal by Jordan Benton. The Racers ate up the final 3:30 on the drive, covering 51 yards in 12 plays.
The Racers took the opening possession of the second half and drove down the field, but their field goal attempt into the wind came up short. From that point, the Skyhawks seized control of the game and scored the game's final 28 points.
Neal scored from one-yard out, and McNeil followed with a two-yard run in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw the Skyhawks throw a pair of TD passes.
Berry led the Racers with 134 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Jeremy Harness led the receivers with four catches for 61 yards, and Walter Powell added three grabs for 61 yards.
Brandon Wicks led the defense with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.
The Racers return to action Nov. 9 as they welcome No. 2 Eastern Illinois to Stewart Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
Team Stats
MUR 7, UTM 0
MUR - MALONE, T-Ray 0 yd fumble recovery (BENTON, Jordan kick)
MUR 14, UTM 0
MUR - BERRY, Jaamal 26 yd run (BENTON, Jordan kick), 8 plays, 63 yards, TOP 1:59
MUR 14, UTM 7
UTM - McNEIL, DJ 5 yd run (REDDITT, Jackso kick), 8 plays, 74 yards, TOP 2:54
MUR 14, UTM 14
UTM - BUTLER, Jeremy 21 yd pass from NEAL, Jarod (REDDITT, Jackso kick) 2 plays, 41 yards, TOP 0:34
MUR 14, UTM 17
UTM - REDDITT, Jackso 33 yd field goal 10 plays, 53 yards, TOP 5:00
MUR 17, UTM 17
MUR - BENTON, Jordan 24 yd field goal 12 plays, 51 yards, TOP 3:30
MUR 17, UTM 24
UTM - NEAL, Jarod 1 yd run (REDDITT, Jackso kick), 12 plays, 65 yards, TOP 4:21
MUR 17, UTM 31
UTM - McNEIL, DJ 2 yd run (REDDITT, Jackso kick), 5 plays, 26 yards, TOP 1:24
MUR 17, UTM 38
UTM - THOMPSON, Chris 11 yd pass from NEAL, Jarod (REDDITT, Jackso kick) 12 plays, 99 yards, TOP 6:50
MUR 17, UTM 45
UTM - BUTLER, Jeremy 13 yd pass from NEAL, Jarod (REDDITT, Jackso kick) 5 plays, 33 yards, TOP 2:52
