Murray State University Athletics

Photo by: Curt Hart
Second-Half Shutout Not Enough For Racers Against EKU
10/28/2017 7:48:00 PM | Football
Just The Facts
The Murray State football team shutout Eastern Kentucky in the second half of Saturday's homecoming game at Roy Stewart Stadium, but it was the Colonel's 26 first-half point that allowed them to leave Murray, Kentucky with a 26-13 win.
How It Happened
The Colonels put Murray State in a 14-0 hole early and led the Racers 26-6 at halftime. Despite a perfect second half defensively and a late touchdown from Shuler Bentley to Jordon Gandy, it was too little, too late as the Racers dropped their second game in a row.
About The Colonels
Eastern Kentucky put up 480 yards of total offense in the game, including 279 yards on the ground. Daryl McCleskey led the EKU offense with 144 yards, while LJ Scott had 35 yards and two touchdowns. Tim Boyle was 15-for-25 through the air for 201 yards and two touchdowns, while Neiko Creamer had a team-high 66 receiving yards on three catches.
Offensive Highlights
Shuler Bentley completed 20 of 40 passes for 210 yards Saturday, while Jordon Gandy led the Racers with 82 yards on three receptions and MSU's lone touchdown of the game. Gabriel Vicente was 2-for-2 on field goals in the game with kicks from 21 and 34 yards, while D.J. Penick led MSU in rushing with 40 yards on eight carries.
Double-Digit Defense
Bishop Woods and Marico Paige each played a key role in the second-half shutout of the Colonels as Woods' had a career-high 11 tackles and Paige followed with 10. Paige also had a personal best 2.0 tackles-for-loss, while Woods added 1.5.
Wade Continues To Climb
D'Montre Wade picked up his fifth interception of the season Saturday, moving him into a 15-way tie for eighth place in the MSU single-season record book. With one more pick, he will have accomplished a feat that has been done just seven times in the 92-year history of MSU football and that is pick off six or more passes in a single-season.
Turnover Battle
The Racers once again Saturday proved why they are currently ninth in the FCS and first in the OVC in turnovers gained by creating three, two interceptions and a fumble. The problem against EKU came as the Racers also committed three turnovers and scored just three points off miscues, while the Colonels scored seven.
OK, What's Next?
The Racers will travel to Jacksonville, Alabama next week to take on the third-ranked Gamecocks. Kick-off from Burgess-Snow Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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The Murray State football team shutout Eastern Kentucky in the second half of Saturday's homecoming game at Roy Stewart Stadium, but it was the Colonel's 26 first-half point that allowed them to leave Murray, Kentucky with a 26-13 win.
How It Happened
The Colonels put Murray State in a 14-0 hole early and led the Racers 26-6 at halftime. Despite a perfect second half defensively and a late touchdown from Shuler Bentley to Jordon Gandy, it was too little, too late as the Racers dropped their second game in a row.
About The Colonels
Eastern Kentucky put up 480 yards of total offense in the game, including 279 yards on the ground. Daryl McCleskey led the EKU offense with 144 yards, while LJ Scott had 35 yards and two touchdowns. Tim Boyle was 15-for-25 through the air for 201 yards and two touchdowns, while Neiko Creamer had a team-high 66 receiving yards on three catches.
Offensive Highlights
Shuler Bentley completed 20 of 40 passes for 210 yards Saturday, while Jordon Gandy led the Racers with 82 yards on three receptions and MSU's lone touchdown of the game. Gabriel Vicente was 2-for-2 on field goals in the game with kicks from 21 and 34 yards, while D.J. Penick led MSU in rushing with 40 yards on eight carries.
Double-Digit Defense
Bishop Woods and Marico Paige each played a key role in the second-half shutout of the Colonels as Woods' had a career-high 11 tackles and Paige followed with 10. Paige also had a personal best 2.0 tackles-for-loss, while Woods added 1.5.
Wade Continues To Climb
D'Montre Wade picked up his fifth interception of the season Saturday, moving him into a 15-way tie for eighth place in the MSU single-season record book. With one more pick, he will have accomplished a feat that has been done just seven times in the 92-year history of MSU football and that is pick off six or more passes in a single-season.
Turnover Battle
The Racers once again Saturday proved why they are currently ninth in the FCS and first in the OVC in turnovers gained by creating three, two interceptions and a fumble. The problem against EKU came as the Racers also committed three turnovers and scored just three points off miscues, while the Colonels scored seven.
OK, What's Next?
The Racers will travel to Jacksonville, Alabama next week to take on the third-ranked Gamecocks. Kick-off from Burgess-Snow Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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Team Stats
EKU
MUR
Total Yards
480
273
Pass Yards
201
210
Rushing Yards
279
63
Penalty Yards
53
52
1st Downs
23
13
3rd Downs
6
5
4th Downs
2
1
TOP
37:38
22:22
1st Quarter

EKU 7, MUR 0
EKU - PAUL, Dan 22 yd pass from BOYLE, Tim (WILLIAMS, Lucas kick) 4 plays, 94 yards, TOP 1:24
2nd Quarter

EKU 14, MUR 0
EKU - SCOTT, LJ 2 yd run (WILLIAMS, Lucas kick), 16 plays, 73 yards, TOP 7:12

EKU 14, MUR 3
MUR - VICENTE, Gabrie 21 yd field goal 6 plays, 11 yards, TOP 2:00

EKU 20, MUR 3
EKU - MARKUSH, Ryan 38 yd pass from BOYLE, Tim (WILLIAMS, Lucas kickfailed) 9 plays, 71 yards, TOP 4:36

EKU 26, MUR 3
EKU - SCOTT, LJ 1 yd run (WILLIAMS, Lucas kickfailed), 5 plays, 21 yards, TOP 1:54

EKU 26, MUR 6
MUR - VICENTE, Gabrie 34 yd field goal 10 plays, 58 yards, TOP 1:02
4th Quarter

EKU 26, MUR 13
MUR - GANDY, Jordon 18 yd pass from BENTLEY, Shuler (VICENTE, Gabrie kick) 12 plays, 98 yards, TOP 3:17
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Head Coach Jody Wright | Racer Football | 10/20 Press Conference
Tuesday, October 21
Head Coach Ryan Miller | Racer Mens Basketball | 10/20 Press Conference
Monday, October 20
KJ Tenner & Brayden Shorter | Racer Mens Basketball | 10/20 Press Conference
Monday, October 20
Head Coach Jody Wright | Racer Football Post Game Press Conference | 10/18
Monday, October 20