Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
5-5 , 3-3
Eastern Illinois
9-1 , 6-0
Strong Second Half Not Enough Against Panthers
11/9/2013 1:38:00 PM | Football
Murray State scored 17-straight points in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit as the Racers fell, 37-17, to No. 2 Eastern Illinois Saturday afternoon at Stewart Stadium.
Trailing 30-0 less than four minutes into the second half, Duane Brady broke free on a 47-yard run to put the Racers into Panther territory. Two plays later, Parks Frazier hit Jesse Blackburn on a 23-yard over the middle. Pokey Harris capped the drive by catching his first career touchdown, catching an eight-yard pass from Frazier.
On the ensuing kickoff, Brandon Wicks forced a fumble that was recovered by T-Ray Malone. Walter Powell turned a short pass into an 18-yard gain, but an intentional grounding call stalled the drive. Marc Wynstra got points on the board by hitting a 31-yard field goal.
The Racer defense forced the Panthers to punt on their next two possessions. On EIU's third possession, Wicks forced his second fumble of the game that was recovered by Blake Salter. The offense moved the ball down the field on 10 plays, and reached the endzone on a 14-yard pass from Frazier to Nevar Griffin.
EIU sealed the victory on their next possession as Shepard Little broke free on a 61-yard touchdown run.
Frazier, who was making his first career start, went 32-for-50 for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for 28 yards. Powell led the receivers with nine catches for 74 yards. He became just the second Racer receiver to record 200 catches in his career, and now has 208 career receptions.
Darrell Smith led the defense with 12 tackles, while Sam Small added 11 and Corey Addison 10. Wicks finished with six tackles and the two forced fumbles.
The Racers return to action Nov. 16 as they travel to face Tennessee State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at LP Field and can be seen live on the Racer TV Network.
Team Stats
EIU 7, MUR 0
EIU - GAROPPOLO,Jimmy 12 yd run (BERRA, Cameron kick), 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:36
EIU 14, MUR 0
EIU - DUNCAN, Taylor 5 yd run (BERRA, Cameron kick), 11 plays, 80 yards, TOP 2:58
EIU 21, MUR 0
EIU - LORA, Erik 13 yd pass from GAROPPOLO,Jimmy (BERRA, Cameron kick) 13 plays, 95 yards, TOP 4:33
EIU 23, MUR 0
EIU - TEAM 0 yd safety
EIU 30, MUR 0
EIU - LITTLE, Shepard 5 yd run (BERRA, Cameron kick), 9 plays, 54 yards, TOP 2:22
EIU 30, MUR 7
MUR - HARRIS, Pokey 8 yd pass from FRAZIER, Parks (WYNSTRA, Marc kick) 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 1:18
EIU 30, MUR 10
MUR - WYNSTRA, Marc 31 yd field goal 6 plays, 16 yards, TOP 1:11
EIU 30, MUR 17
MUR - GRIFFIN, Nevar 14 yd pass from FRAZIER, Parks (WYNSTRA, Marc kick) 10 plays, 55 yards, TOP 2:31
EIU 37, MUR 17
EIU - LITTLE, Shepard 61 yd run (BERRA, Cameron kick), 3 plays, 73 yards, TOP 1:01
