Early Racer Deficit Leads To Missouri State Win

Saturday, September 10

Roy Stewart Stadium

6 p.m.

Murray State

0-2

Missouri State (Senior Night)

2-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Missouri St.

Murray St.

Photo by: Tab Brockman

9/10/2016 11:32:00 PM | Football

Box Score BOX SCORE (PDF)SEASON STATS (PDF)PHOTO GALLERY OVCDN REPLAY

Just The Facts
The Murray State football team found itself in an early 13-3 hole and was never able to recover, falling to Missouri State, 28-22, at Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray. Despite throwing for 356 yards and two touchdowns, senior quarterback KD Humphries committed an uncharacteristic four turnovers, including three interceptions. The Bears were able to turn two of the four turnovers into touchdowns, helping to seal their first win over the Racers since 2009.

The Turning Point
The Racers closed the gap late in the third quarter and trailed, just 21-19. However, despite pinning Missouri State deep in their own end zone in the fourth quarter on a muffed punt return, the Bears scored with just over six minutes to play, extending the lead to 28-19. With under two minutes to go, Murray State cut the lead to just six on a Connor Mitchell field goal, but couldn't recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing Missouri State to hold on for the win.

About The Bears
Breck Ruddick completed 21 of 37 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns to lead Missouri State. Malik Earl led the receiving corps for the Bears with four catches for 98 yards, while Deion Holliman had 66 yards on five receptions. Calan Crowder rushed for 99 yards and a score to lead the 174 yard rushing attack for Missouri State. Defensively, Dylan Cole racked up a game-high 14 tackles, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass, while McNeese Egbim followed with 12 tackles.

Mr. Consistency
Connor Mitchell was perfect 3-for-3, a career high, on field goals in the game with kicks of 31, 36 and 37 yards and was 1-for-1 on PAT attempts. He also notched another career-high of two touchbacks on five kickoffs with an average of 60.8 yards per kick.

Twice As Nice
Jordon Gandy also had a career night with career-highs of five catches for a total 104 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown was a 55-yarder, while his second was quick one-yard strike.

Big Hit Crit
Lamont Crittendon finished the game with 12 tackles, including a game-high 3.0 for a total loss of eight yards. He also blocked a field goal in the second quarter and came up with a tackle on fourth and three in the first quarter that forced a turnover on downs.

Z. Wade and D. Wade
Zachary Wade led Murray State in the game with 13 total tackles, including a team-high five solo. Meanwhile, D'Montre Wade, no relation, came up with Murray State's only interception of the game, as well as a pass breakup and a tackle.

Not So Fast, My Friend
In the third quarter, Missouri State attempted a fake punt, however Malik Golson and Dylan Boone made them pay with the former forcing the fumble and the latter recovering for a return of 20 yards. The play led directly to the touchdown that cut the Bear lead to 21-19.

Up Next
Murray State will make the short trip to Carbondale next week for the first meeting with SIU in 13 seasons. The game is a renewal of one of MSU's oldest non-conference series, with the first game between the two teams taking place in 1927. Kickoff from Saluki Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN3.