Racers Rally For OT Win at TSU
Nov. 7, 2015
Just The Facts
Roman Clay’s 25 rushing yards in overtime were enough to propel the Murray State football team to a 46-43 win over Tennessee State, Saturday night at Hale Stadium in Nashville. Clay, who had just 19 yards at the half, finished the game with 134 including the game-winning two-yard touchdown.
The Turning Point
Facing a fourth-and-four on the first play in the fourth quarter, the Racers used a fake punt to get the four yards needed via a Jesse Blackburn rush to keep the drive alive. Murray State would end the drive a 35-yard field goal by Connor Mitchell, followed by a Roman Clay touchdown later in the quarter to force overtime and eventually win the game. Murray State outscored the Tennessee State 16-3 in the final stanza and overtime including holding the Tiger scoreless in the fourth quarter.
About The Tigers
The Tigers put up 454 yards of offense in the game, led by O’Shay Ackerman-Carter’s 329 yards in the air and four touchdowns. Patrick Smith accounted for 248 of those yards, as well as two scores, to lead the TSU receiving corps. Erick Evans and Telvin Hooks each had a rushing touchdown in the game, while Evans led the way with 96 yards.
T-Ray, More Like T-Rex
T-Ray Malone had a career day on defense that included a forced fumble and a six-yard return and fourth quarter interception and an 11-yard return. In addition, Malone had five solo tackles in the game, a sack for nine yards and two tackles for a loss of 10 yards.
Roman The Conqueror
Roman Clay ended the game with 134 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. His long of 20 yards came on the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Something About That Number
For the seventh time in nine games, KD Humphries passed for over 300 yards, finishing the night at 34-for-51 for 366 yards, one interception and three touchdowns. He targeted eight different receivers in the game and had a long pass of 63.
Blackburned Again
Jesse Blackburn torched the Tennessee State defense for 162 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 catches. His big play came in the first quarter when he went 63 yards for a score.
End Of The Road…Woes
Murray State’s win at TSU Saturday put to bed a 13-game road losing streak by the Racers. The last away win previous to Saturday was on Sept. 28, 2013 when the Racers beat Jacksonville State, 35-34, also in overtime.
First Strike Capabilities
KD Humphries found Jesse Blackburn from two-yards out to give Murray State a touchdown on the opening drive of the game for just the third time this season. The Racers are now 3-0 on the year when they score a touchdown on the opening drive.
Unsung Heroes
In the first quarter, KD Humphries connected with Jesse Blackburn for the second time on the day, but it would not have been possible if not for two other players that made key plays on the drive. The first came from Joe Irby who made a heads up play to cover the ball after Humphries was sacked and fumbled. The second came on the play itself, when Pokey Harris made a big block at the 15-yard line to allow Blackburn to score
Blue Blocker
Zach Dean blocked two Tennessee State PATs in the first half, marking the second and third blocks of his career. Dean is now the third Racer to block a kick this season, joining Elijah Daniel and Demetrius Mason. He is also the first MSU player to block two kicks in a game since Felton Collins did so against Kentucky Wesleyan last season.
On The Run
After Zach Dean blocked his second PAT of the season, Shawn Samuels-Connell picked up the fumble and returned it the length of the field for two points. He is now just the second Racer in program history to accomplish the feat, joining Jonathan Jackson who did so last season in the opener against Union (Ky.).
Trickeration
Murray State scored with the help of some trickery in the second quarter on a play that began with a reverse to Pokey Harris from Humphries. Harris then lateraled the ball to Janawksi Davis who heaved the ball 16 yards to Jordon Gandy in the end zone for the score. It was the first pass and passing touchdown of his career.
Up Next
The Racers will return to The Track for the final time this season to taken on 18th-ranked Eastern Kentucky. Kick-off at Roy Stewart Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
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