The Murray State Racers (1-8, 0-5 MVFC) fell to the No. 9 Illinois State Redbirds (7-2, 3-2 MVFC) 35-14 on a cloudy Saturday afternoon at Hancock Stadium.
The first half was marked by both teams feeling each other out, with a pair of big plays giving each offense an early spark. The Redbirds struck first in the opening quarter when Beckham Pellant hit Ethan Loss deep down the left side, setting the Redbirds up at the Murray State 14-yard line. Two plays later, Victor Dawson put them on the board with an 11-yard touchdown. After missing a first-quarter field goal, Murray State punched back early in the second quarter. On third-and-3 at the Redbirds' 42-yard line, Jawaun Northington lined up at fullback and carried the ball 42 yards to put the Racers on the board.
Illinois State took a 14-7 lead into the half after Seth Glat punched it in from 2 yards out. However, Dylan Rowsey prevented any further first-half damage, recording his second interception of the season with just 4 seconds left in the first half.
The third quarter continued to be competitive as Illinois State scored on a 50-yard connection from Pellant to Loss to increase its lead to 21-7. Murray State responded and cut the deficit to 21-14 with a 9-play, 76-yard drive that was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown pass from Baxter Wright to Trey Firestone, the third touchdown of the season for both.
It was all Redbirds in the fourth quarter as the Racers threatened to score in the red zone before turning it over, and Illinois State scored on the ground and through the air to make the final score 35-14.
The Racers were outgained 476-304, putting up 208 yards through the air and 96 on the ground, while Illinois State threw for 248 and ran for 228. Collin Shannon went 14-of-27 for 169 yards and 2 interceptions, while Baxter Wright was 4-of-6 for 39 yards and a touchdown. Jaxon Potter became the Racers' first 100-yard receiver of the season with a career-high 131 yards on 7 catches, while Trey Firestone had 60 yards and a touchdown on 8 receptions. Jawaun Northington led the way on the ground with 74 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries.
Dylan Rowsey led the defense with 11 total tackles and added an interception, while Klayton Ingram, Ryan McCall, and Jayden Walker each had 10 tackles. McCall and Walker each had 0.5 tackles for loss, while Amari McGill and Cameron Daniels had 1 each. Tay Cline had 8 tackles and a pass breakup.
Up Next
The Racers return home to Rudolph Family Field at Roy Stewart Stadium next week to face No. 4 Youngstown State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. CDT.
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Photo courtesy of Murray State Athletics
