The Murray State University football team has had mixed results so far as the squad ends this season. They’re 3-6 at the moment, coming off a 46-43 overtime shootout victory against Tennessee State. Tracy Ross speaks with “The Voice of the Racers” Neal Bradley on the last few weeks of football action, as well as what’s going on with MSU basketball.
Oct 24 at UT Martin – 45-52 (L)
Despite three touchdown passes from quarterback KD Humphries and an early 17-3 lead, the Racers couldn’t close out a high-scoring game with conference opponent UT Martin. Bradley says UTM has gotten the best of this regional rivalry the last few years. He added that even with the early lead, the Racers just didn’t play their best on defense.
“You give up 52 points, you’re not going to win,” Bradley said. “That kind of doomed the Racers on that particular day.”
Oct 31 vs Eastern Illinois – 20-34 (L)
The Racers hosted Eastern Illinois for a Halloween night Stewart Stadium showdown, where MSU fell in a match Bradley says was closer than the box score shows. The Racers started the game with a pick-six on the opening play, putting them up 7-0 less than ten seconds into the first quarter.
He says it was a one-possession game with 2:43 to go, but a risky defense play from the Racers backfired, ending with an EIU score in the final minute.
“The Racers gave them a good tangle,” Bradley said. “EIU had done really well limiting what the Racers can do running-wise, so they got most of that damage done in the air.”
Bradley says in addition to the opening pick-six, MSU played a strong defensive game but just couldn’t bring it home.
Nov 7 at Tennessee State – 46-43 (W)
Last week’s game saw MSU come out on top in an overtime match against Tennessee State in Nashville. Bradley says this game is one to be proud of.
“They really needed to get something positive,” Bradley said.
Bradley says the Racers were down 10 points heading into the fourth quarter, but some clutch plays that included two blocked kicks tied up both teams at 40 apiece, followed by a Racers victory in overtime.
Looking ahead – EKU and Jacksonville State
Bradley says EKU has struggled lately, going from a number one OVC contender to a potential first round bye and now, they might not even make the playoffs. He says while the Racers are playing mostly to end their season on a strong note, EKU’s playing to keep their postseason aspirations alive. They’ll have to beat MSU this weekend and Eastern Illinois next week. Bradley says the two teams are quite similar, and that this game is winnable for the Racers.
Next week, the Racers take on Jacksonville State in their season finale. JSU currently sits atop the OVC conference at 6-0, with an overall record of 8-1. Bradley says the Racers have nothing to lose heading into this one, and he expects an interesting game.
Racer Basketball
Tonight, MSU takes on Harris-Stowe State at the CFSB Center. They’ll look to right the ship after last week’s overtime exhibition loss to Freed-Hardeman. Bradley says with a new coach in Matt McMahon and four starters gone, the Racers are a whole new team and might go through some growing pains.
“I think this will be a good team. They’ll challenge for an OVC championship, but it’ll take some gel time, I would assume,” Bradley said.
Bradley says he thinks the Racers will come out on top tonight, barring a disastrous showing.
Tuesday, MSU welcomes former OVC foe Middle Tennessee to the CFSB Center. Bradley says the two teams met last year, where MT shot 1-21 on three pointers. He says he expects a tight game, as the Blue Raiders are bringing back most of that same team that won 19 games.
Next Friday, the Racers will travel to Georgia for a non-conference showdown. Bradley says MSU might struggle to match up size-wise, especially in the guard position. Georgia played in the NCAA tournament as a 10 seed last year, and that combined with their home court advantage could prove tough for the Racers.
And during the week of Thanksgiving, the Racers will play in the Gulf Coast showcase , where they’re ranked as the number one seed. They’ll face Milwaukee in the opening round, and could face Western Kentucky if both teams progress. Bradley says MSU has their work cut out for them.
