Murray State University Athletics
Saturday, September 6
Louisville, Ky.
6 p.m.
Murray State
at
Louisville
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
DT
/ Football
DB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
Photo by: Tab Brockman
Racers Travel to Face #25 Louisville
9/4/2014 8:42:00 AM | Football
Murray State (1-0, 0-0 OVC) vs. #25 Louisville (1-0, 1-0 ACC)
Sept. 6 - 6 p.m.
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium - Louisville, Ky.
STORY LINES
Murray State hits the road for the first time this season as they travel across the state to face Louisville. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium and can be seen live on ESPN3.
Saturday's contest marks the second time in the Chris Hatcher era that the Racers will travel to face Louisville. The two teams met in Hatcher's second season (2011), with the Racers dropping a 21-9 decision.
The contest marks the first of two-straight games against FBS opponents. The Racers will have a bye next week before traveling to face Western Michigan on Sept. 20.
Defensive back Shawn Samuels-Connell and wide receiver Janawski Davis each returned a punt for a touchdown in the first half of the season opener. Â
Senior CJ Bennett had one of the most impressive debuts as a Racer quarterback as he threw for five touchdowns in his first career starts. Playing just over a half, Bennett threw for just 167 yards, but had five touchdowns on 22 attempts.
The Game
The Racers hit the road for the first time this season as they travel to face Louisville. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN3.
Saturday Weather
Cooler temperatures will be in the area for Saturday's game. The high for the day is expected to be 78, but there is a 50% chance of rain.
vs. Louisville
The Racers and Cardinals are meeting for the 19th time on the gridiron. UofL holds a 12-6 advantage in the all-time series and have won the last four meetings. The Cardinals won the last meeting, 21-9, in 2011.
House Calls
Murray State returned two punts for touchdowns in the victory over Union. Shawn Samuels-Connell returned his first punt as a Racer 68 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, while Janawski Davis returned the first punt of the second quarter 62 yards for a touchdowns.
Duo Earns CFPA Punt Returner Honor
After each returning a punt for a touchdown against Union, Shawn Samuels-Connell and Janawski Davis were named the College Football Performance Awards Punt Returner Performers of the Week.
Remembering the 70s
Murray State scored 73 points in the season opener against Union. It marked the third-straight season, and fourth time in the last five years, the Racers have scored at least 70 points in a game.
Davis Scores 4 Times
Janawski Davis entered the season with two career touchdowns. He doubled that total in just one night as the junior scored four times against Union. He hauled in three touchdown passes, and also returned a punt for a touchdown. He finished the day with four catches for 60 yards and the three scores.
Bennett Sets Record in 1st Start
Murray State quarterback CJ Bennett had a record-breaking day in his first career start. He became the sixth QB to throw for five touchdowns in a game, but the first to do it in his first start of his career. He finished the day 13-of-22 for 167 yards and the five scores.
Harness Finds Endzone Twice
Junior wide receiver Jeremy Harness hauled in a pair of touchdown passes in the first quarter of the season opener. He had TD grabs of three and 24 yards. He entered the season with two career TD receptions.
Opening-Drive Turnover
For the second-straight season, the Racer defense forced a turnover on the opening drive of the season. Last season, Travis Taylor forced a fumble on the opening drive at Missouri.
Jackson Returns Blocked PAT
Linebacker Jonathan Jackson had a flashback to his high school running back days as he picked up a blocked extra point at the two yard line. He broke a few tackles and raced 98 yards for the score.
Block Party
The Racer defense blocked a pair of extra points in the victory over Union. Felton Collins blocked one in the first half, and Demetrius Mason blocked another in the second half.
Taylor Scores in Debut
True freshman Nick Taylor had an impressive debut as he carried the ball 12 times for 83 yards and scored his first career touchdown.Â
Up Next
The Racers will have a bye next week before returning to action Sept. 20 at Western Michigan. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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