TTU Clips Football In OVC Opener

Saturday, September 26

Stewart Stadium

6 p.m.

Murray State

1-3 , 0-1

Tennessee Tech (Family Weekend)

2-2 , 1-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Tennessee Tech

Murray St.

Photo by: Tab Brockman

9/26/2015 11:23:00 PM | Football

Box Score

Just The Facts
The Murray State football team suffered a heartbreaking, 31-29, loss to Tennessee Tech Saturday night at Stewart Stadium in Murray.

The Racers (1-3, 0-1) gave up four lost fumbles on the night that resulted in 14 points for Tennessee Tech. In addition, Murray State missed a field goal and had both a field goal and a PAT blocked that would have resulted in additional seven points.

It was not all bad news for Murray State, as they produced 551 yards of total offense with a season-high 491 in the air. The defense also came big in the game with 9.0 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks.

The Turning Point
Coming out of the half, the two teams were tied at 14. However, Murray State would fumble a punt return on what would have been its second drive of the half and add another fumble in TTU territory on its actual second drive of the half. The Golden Eagles would score touchdowns off of both turnovers to take a 28-14 lead that MSU was never able to recover from.

Last Gasp
The Racers pulled within two late in the game when KD Humphries took MSU 68 yards down the field and then ran ball himself for the score, cutting the lead to 31-29 with 1:51 left on the clock. After holding the Golden Eagles to what appeared to be a three and out, Murray State was set to get the ball back with over a minute and a half to play. However, on the punt, the Racers were called for roughing the kicker, giving TTU an automatic first down and the win.

About The Golden Eagles
Jared Davis was 26-for-40 on the night with one interception for 264 yards and two touchdowns for Tennessee Tech. Brock McCoin had 14 catches for a team-high 108 yards, while Jordan Smith scored two touchdowns and had 78 yards on five receptions.

Tra'Darius Goff led all tacklers on the night with 14, including one sack and a forced fumble. Two other Golden Eagles had double-digit tackles with Maleek Hall and Daniel Pierce racking up 10 apiece.

Precious Cargo
Murray State and Tennessee Tech combined for six turnovers on the night, with the Racers losing four fumbles and the Golden Eagles tossing a pick and losing a fumble of their own. MSU was able to capitalize of both of their takeaways for 14 point, while TTU also got 14 point, scoring two out of four times.

Third And Out
The Murray State defense was clutch on third down Saturday, limiting the Golden Eagle offense to just one third down conversion in 17 tries.

New Record
With 6.0 tackles for loss on the night; Elijah Daniel set a new school single-game record in just his fourth game as a Racer. The previous record of 5.5 was set by Anthony Hutch against UT Martin in 1996. Daniel led Murray State in the game with nine total tackles, to go along with 2.5 sacks and a hurry.

Career Night
KD Humphries set a new career-high Saturday with 491 passing yards. Humphries has now passed for 300-plus yards in three out four games this season and in seven of his last eight. The game will also go down as the fourth 400-plus yard game of his career.

Four-For-Four
With 115 yards Saturday, Jeremy Harness has now tallied at least 100 yards receiving in each of the four games this season. Walter Powell set the record for 100-plus yard games in a season with six in 2012. Harness joins teammate Janawski Davis and three other players tied for fourth on the list with four each. The game also gives him seven 100-plus yard games for his career, with Walter Powell holding that record as well, at 10.

History Repeating
For the second time in his career, Janawski Davis score three receiving touchdowns in a game. He finished the night with 140 yards on seven catches. Davis previously caught three touchdown passes in the opener last season against Union (KY).

Up Next
Murray State will make the short trip to Cape Girardeau next Saturday for a showdown with Southeast Missouri. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the game being broadcast live on the American Sports Network. Check local listing for times and stations.